Last December, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens faced significant criticism following comments he made during an interview on “The Pivot” podcast. In the interview, Owens remarked that he was “the catch” in his relationship with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, suggesting that she “pulled” him rather than the other way around. His statements sparked outrage among Biles’ large fanbase, who perceived his remarks as arrogant and began attacking Owens online.
However, Biles has now addressed the controversy and clarified her feelings about the situation. In the upcoming Netflix docuseries “Simone Biles Rising Part II,” the 11-time Olympic medalist explained that Owens’ comments were misinterpreted. According to Biles, “He did an interview, and it was taken out of context.” She went on to share that her fans became very critical of Owens after the interview, which she found troubling. Biles expressed frustration with the way social media often gives people a false impression of who others truly are, and how they function, especially during a stressful period like preparing for the Olympics.
Biles further stated that she was not offended by Owens’ remarks, and was perplexed by the level of anger that outsiders directed toward their relationship. She also expressed dismay at the hateful comments her fans left on Owens’ social media accounts, and even on her own posts. “Who’s going over to someone’s profile and saying who you can and can’t love?” she asked, calling the whole situation “ridiculous.”
Biles revealed just how personally she took the situation, admitting that the backlash deeply affected her. During an earlier appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in April, she confessed that she had a breakdown over the matter. Despite facing intense pressure from fans and strangers who urged her to divorce Owens, Biles stood by her husband, defending him and pushing back against those who knew nothing about him or their relationship.