Since her marriage to Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles has had to navigate the persistent attention of online trolls. Despite facing negativity, she has stood her ground, even famously responding to the criticism with the blunt statement, “Respectfully, f–k off.” Recently, Biles found herself once again amidst controversy, though this time her approach was a mix of wit and wisdom. During a January 6, 2025, interview with Sports Illustrated on YouTube, she was asked a potentially contentious question: “Kendrick Lamar or Drake?”
The question carried weight, as the interviewer was aware of the long-standing tension between the two rap icons. Biles, recognizing the potential backlash of her response, laughed and quipped, “I’m going to get roasted for this.” Ultimately, she delivered a smart, neutral reply: “What if I say it’s even? I don’t want them to write a song about me.” Her answer not only diffused the situation but also demonstrated her ability to stay above the fray, opting for peace over drama.
The feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake dates back to 2011 when they collaborated on Drake’s Take Care. Tensions escalated in 2013 after Kendrick’s verse on Big Sean’s “Control,” where he called out multiple rappers, including Drake. Over the years, both artists traded subtle jabs in their music, with Kendrick addressing Drake in tracks like “King Kunta” and “Compton,” and Drake responding in songs like “100” and “The Language.” The rivalry reignited in 2024 when Kendrick dropped a diss track, “Like That,” prompting Drake to retaliate with “Push Ups” and “Family Matters.” Kendrick followed up with tracks such as “Euphoria” and “Not Like Us.” Their ongoing beef has fueled discussions among fans, leaving Biles’ neutral stance a wise choice to avoid any entanglement.
Interestingly, Biles has a connection to the world of rap beyond this question. Her wedding ring, a $325,000 masterpiece, was designed by jewelers who have worked with both Drake and NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson. While she attended a Drake concert in 2018, it’s clear she values her personal peace more than taking sides in celebrity feuds.
Simone Biles is no stranger to criticism, as evidenced by the backlash she faced on her wedding day in April 2023. During her intimate courthouse ceremony, she wore a tiered wedding gown paired with a high ponytail. While many fans celebrated her happiness, others criticized her hairstyle, suggesting she should have worn a wig. Biles responded candidly, noting that Houston’s humidity influenced her choice and dismissing the criticism by saying, “They can keep complaining (I don’t care).”
The trolling didn’t stop there. In December 2023, her husband, Jonathan Owens, faced backlash for comments he made during an interview on The Pivot Podcast. Owens mentioned that he didn’t know who Simone was when they first met and jokingly referred to himself as “the catch.” Fans misinterpreted his remarks as dismissive of Simone, urging her to divorce him. Biles defended her husband, explaining that his comments were a reflection of his confidence, not a dismissal of her worth.
In an April 2024 interview with Call Her Daddy, Biles opened up about how these attacks on her husband affected her. She described the toll it took on her to see people judge Owens without knowing his character. In response to the relentless negativity, she made it clear she wouldn’t tolerate disrespect, declaring, “Respectfully, f–k off,” and vowing to block anyone targeting her family.
Despite the online drama, Biles remains focused on her happiness. Her ability to rise above criticism and protect her personal life speaks to her strength and resilience. Whether addressing her marriage, trolls, or contentious questions, she continues to prioritize peace and positivity, setting a powerful example of self-assurance and grace.