Simone Biles’ life after the 2024 Paris Olympics has been anything but quiet. Following a dominant Games that further cemented her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, Biles stepped away from competition to focus on business ventures and her personal life with husband Jonathan Owens.
However, increased visibility has also brought heightened scrutiny, placing the couple at the center of several controversies that continue to spark debate online.
Backlash over puppy purchase raises eyebrows
One of the most talked-about incidents involved Biles and Owens purchasing a Doberman puppy from Regal Empire Dobermans.
The breeder had previously been criticized for unethical practices, including puppy raffles, which quickly drew backlash from fans and animal rights advocates.
The criticism intensified when photos revealed the dog had cropped ears, a practice widely opposed by veterinarians and animal welfare groups.
The situation proved especially sensitive given Simone Biles’ past advocacy for animal adoption, including her work with a Texas animal shelter in 2019.
PETA publicly condemned the decision, reiterating that buying from breeders reduces the chances of shelter animals finding homes.
The move surprised many supporters who expected Biles’ actions to align more closely with her earlier stance.
Jonathan Owens’ podcast comments resurface
Another flashpoint emerged from Jonathan Owens’ appearance on the podcast The Pivot, where he admitted he did not initially recognize Biles when they matched on a dating app.
The comments drew renewed attention when Owens jokingly referred to himself as “the catch” in the relationship. While intended humorously, many fans viewed the remark as tone-deaf given Biles’ global achievements.
Online discussions, particularly on Reddit, reflected frustration from fans who felt the statement minimized Biles’ stature.
Some commenters argued Owens’ public recognition largely stems from his relationship with the Olympic champion rather than his NFL career.
Olympic celebration sparks mixed reactions
During the Paris Games, Jonathan Owens shared an Instagram tribute celebrating Simone Biles’ success, but the accompanying image showing him wearing her gold medal divided opinion.
While supporters defended the gesture as common among athletes’ families, critics felt it shifted attention away from Biles’ accomplishment.
Biles later pushed back strongly, explaining she regularly allows family members to wear her medals for photos and urging critics to stop speculating about their relationship.
Netflix documentary rekindles debate
The controversy resurfaced once more in Biles’ Netflix documentary, Simone Biles Rising, where she addressed Jonathan Owens’ earlier podcast remarks.
Although meant to provide context, the comments reignited online discussions that had begun to fade. Fans again debated whether revisiting the topic amplified unnecessary negativity, with some suggesting Biles disengage from social media discourse altogether.