Simone Biles Sparks Firestorm Over Trans Athletes—Husband’s Response Speaks Volumes

May 3, 2025; Louisville, KY, USA; Simone Biles and husband Jonathan Owens arrive on the Kentucky Derby red carpet at Churchill Downs. Mandatory Credit: Scott Utterback/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A firestorm erupted around Olympic icon Simone Biles after her clash with OutKick contributor Riley Gaines over transgender inclusion in women’s sports, and for days, the gymnastics legend faced the heat alone. The debate blew up on social media, with Biles catching flak for calling out Gaines’ activism as “bullying” and suggesting a separate transgender sports category. Her sharp words, including labeling Gaines a “sore loser” on X, sparked fierce backlash from fans and critics who felt she was sidestepping the issue of fairness in women’s athletics. Through it all, her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, stayed silent—until Tuesday, when he made his stance crystal clear with a subtle but powerful move.

Owens broke his silence by sharing a screenshot of Biles’ apology on his Instagram Story, adding three white heart emojis that spoke louder than any press conference could. No long-winded statement, just a quiet nod of solidarity that showed he’s got her back. Biles’ apology, posted on X, struck a humbler tone: “It didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for,” she wrote, admitting the issue’s complexity and calling for empathy and respect. Owens’ gesture echoed that sentiment, reinforcing the strength of their bond, forged since 2020 and cemented by their 2023 marriage. It’s the kind of support that cuts through the noise, showing the couple’s unity in the face of controversy.

This isn’t the first time Owens has stood by Biles through a storm. Earlier in 2024, he stepped away from Bears training camp to cheer her on at the Summer Olympics, calling her a “warrior” and beaming with pride. His Tuesday move carried that same loyalty, a reminder that whether it’s Olympic gold or social media battles, he’s in her corner. The debate over Biles’ comments isn’t going away—some still question her stance, while others praise her for owning the misstep—but Owens’ quiet show of support lands like a statement of its own. As the Bears gear up for the season, and Biles navigates the fallout, their partnership remains a rock-solid constant.