Simone Biles’ husband, Jonathan Owens, recently faced backlash following comments he made in a podcast discussing his relationship with the famous gymnast. The couple met on the private dating app Raya, with Owens admitting that he wasn’t initially aware of who Biles was as he wasn’t familiar with gymnastics. Biles made the first move, messaging Owens on the app, which led to their first date.
Owens shared on the podcast that due to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Biles took the initiative to drive 45 minutes to meet him in Houston for their second meeting. He expressed that he felt like “the catch” in their relationship, stating that men are typically seen as such and that he was initially hesitant to commit.
However, Owens’ assertion of being “the catch” in the relationship drew criticism from fans and followers, particularly given Biles’ status as one of the most highly decorated gymnasts in history. Some fans accused Owens of downplaying his wife’s achievements and suggested that his relationship with Biles helped elevate his own fame and recognition.
On social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, displeased fans voiced their opinions, expressing dissatisfaction with Owens’ comments. Some commented on Owens’ social media posts, while others highlighted their disagreement with his perspective. Despite the criticism, Owens appeared unbothered, sharing a loved-up photo with Biles on Instagram and captioning it with a message asserting their commitment to each other.
Biles herself responded to the situation, expressing a sense of confusion about the backlash in a tweet and indicating her support for her husband amid the uproar. She retweeted several tweets defending Owens and addressing what was perceived as unfair criticism directed at him.