Scandals That Will Always Plague Simone Biles & Her Husband
Introduction to the Controversies Surrounding Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens
Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, has not only captivated audiences with her athletic prowess but also attracted significant public attention to her personal life. Since marrying NFL player Jonathan Owens in 2023, the couple has been under the microscope, facing several scandals that have sparked debate and criticism. Despite their accomplishments and high-profile status, these controversies have cast a shadow over their otherwise inspiring story. This article delves into the key scandals that continue to plague Simone Biles and her husband, examining the circumstances, public reactions, and the lasting impact on their reputations.
The Doberman Puppy Purchase Controversy
One of the most talked-about scandals involving Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens centers around their decision to purchase a Doberman puppy from Regal Empire Dobermans, a breeder with a controversial reputation. The breeder had previously faced backlash for questionable practices, including promoting puppy raffles online, which many animal rights advocates consider unethical.
The controversy intensified when the couple was photographed holding a Doberman puppy with cropped ears—a practice widely criticized by veterinarians and animal welfare organizations for being unnecessary and harmful. This move surprised many fans, especially since Simone Biles has been a vocal advocate for animal rescue and adoption. In 2019, she actively participated in efforts to promote dog adoption at a Texas animal shelter, emphasizing the importance of being a voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves.
Animal rights group PETA publicly condemned the couple’s decision, stating, “It’s simple math: for every dog purchased, a dog in a shelter loses their chance at a home.” They urged Biles and Owens to consider adopting from rescues that specialize in Dobermans instead of supporting breeders with questionable ethics. This incident not only disappointed fans but also raised questions about the couple’s commitment to animal welfare principles.
Jonathan Owens’ Controversial Podcast Remarks
Another scandal that attracted widespread attention was Jonathan Owens’ comments during an episode of the podcast “The Pivot.” Owens revealed that he and Simone Biles met on the dating app Raya, but he admitted he had no prior knowledge of her gymnastics career. While this admission was surprising, it was his subsequent remarks that drew criticism.
When the hosts joked that Owens was “the catch” in the relationship, he doubled down, stating that he believed the man should always be the catch in a romantic partnership. This statement was perceived by many as arrogant and dismissive of Biles’ extraordinary achievements. Fans and commentators quickly reacted, with some pointing out that Owens was relatively unknown in his professional football career compared to Biles’ global fame.
The backlash was swift and intense, with social media users mocking Owens and questioning his attitude. Many felt his comments undermined Biles’ legacy and failed to acknowledge her status as a world-class athlete. This podcast episode became a viral moment for all the wrong reasons, highlighting the challenges the couple faces in balancing public perception and personal dynamics.
Social Media Incident: The Olympic Medal Photo
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Jonathan Owens posted a congratulatory message on Instagram celebrating Simone Biles’ record-breaking achievements. While the message was heartfelt, the accompanying photo sparked controversy. In the image, Owens was seen wearing one of Biles’ gold medals around his neck, which upset some fans who viewed it as inappropriate or disrespectful.
Critics argued that Owens was attempting to share or even steal the spotlight from Biles, especially given the context of his earlier controversial remarks. However, many supporters defended the couple, noting that it is common for athletes to share their medals with family members for photos. Simone Biles herself responded angrily to the criticism on social media, emphasizing that she had allowed all her family members to wear her medals for pictures and urging critics to stop making assumptions.
This incident highlighted how even well-meaning gestures by the couple can be misinterpreted and magnified under the public eye, adding to the ongoing scrutiny they face.
Revisiting the Controversies: Simone Biles’ Netflix Documentary
In an attempt to address the lingering controversies, Simone Biles revisited the subject in the second part of her Netflix documentary, “Simone Biles Rising.” She discussed the mental toll of public scrutiny and the challenges of dealing with social media criticism, especially during an Olympic year.
Biles explained how social media creates a false sense of intimacy, leading followers to believe they know every detail about her life and marriage. She expressed frustration over the continued focus on her husband’s past remarks, emphasizing the emotional strain it causes.
Despite her intentions to provide context and defend her husband, the documentary reignited discussions around the controversies. Many viewers felt the issue had been sufficiently addressed previously and questioned the need to revisit it. Online forums reflected mixed reactions, with some urging Biles to move on and others sympathizing with the pressures she faces.
This episode underscores the difficulty public figures encounter in managing their narratives amid relentless media and fan scrutiny.
Conclusion
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens’ journey as a couple has been marked by remarkable achievements and unfortunate controversies. From their debated puppy purchase to public missteps and social media backlash, these scandals have undeniably shaped public perception of the athletic power couple. While criticism and scrutiny are inevitable for celebrities, how they respond and grow from these experiences will define their legacy beyond the headlines.
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