Simone Biles has spoken out about the backlash her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, faced following an interview that led to a viral controversy. In the new Netflix docuseries Simone Biles Rising, which premiered on October 25, Biles addressed the criticism Owens received for comments made during his appearance on The Pivot podcast last year.
She clarified that his words had been “taken out of context” and shared how the situation impacted them both.
During the podcast interview, Owens was asked if he saw himself as the “catch” in his relationship with Biles. He responded, “I always say that the men are the catch.”
When co-host Channing Crowder asked Owens how he managed to “pull Simone Biles,” Owens playfully replied, “Man, it’s really how she pulled me, man. That’s the question.” While Biles was seen laughing off-camera at his response, social media reactions took a different tone, leading to a wave of criticism.
Reflecting on the incident in Simone Biles Rising, Biles commented on the challenges of living in the public eye. “Social media gives [followers] this false sense of reality that they really know who you are and how you function,” she explained. “Most of the time they don’t understand the mental toll that it takes, especially going into an Olympic year.”
The gymnastics icon, now preparing for another Olympic season, expressed frustration over the way people often reduce her relationship to her achievements. “Those who don’t personally know us equate our love to the amount of trophies and medals and accolades that I have,” she said. “But that’s not how you measure love.”
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Biles admitted that the controversy prompted her to delete Twitter for a time, feeling overwhelmed by the negativity. “Most of the time, I bite my tongue, but now, yeah, I have a voice,” she asserted. “Just because you didn’t think I wouldn’t see it doesn’t mean I’m not obligated to respond… it’s crazy.”
Following the podcast backlash last December, Owens shared a post on Instagram that showcased photos from their wedding day and a few lighthearted, candid moments.
He captioned it, “Unbothered ??? Just know we locked in over here ??.” Biles supported him by sharing his post on her own Instagram Story, and she left a comment on his post, simply saying, “??? for life.”
Biles’ candid remarks in the docuseries highlight the pressure both she and Owens face from public expectations, especially as she balances her Olympic ambitions with her private life.
The couple continues to stay strong together, finding ways to block out negativity while staying focused on their life together and the goals that matter most.
