The heated online feud between Olympic legend Simone Biles and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines has sparked national attention, and now Biles’ husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, is quietly stepping in to support his wife. The controversy stems from Gaines’s ongoing opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, which reignited when she criticized Biles publicly.
However, in a surprising and mature move, Simone Biles issued a heartfelt follow-up on Instagram, offering clarity and even an apology. “The current system doesn’t adequately balance… competitive equity and inclusivity,” she wrote. “It didn’t help for me to get personal with Riley, which I apologize for,” Biles emphasized, and that she wasn’t advocating for compromising fairness in women’s sports.
“Individual athletes—especially kids—should never be the focus of criticism of a flawed system they have no control over.” She closed the message with, “We all want a future for sport that is fair, inclusive, and respectful. Xoxo Simone .” In a quiet but deeply supportive gesture, Jonathan Owens reshared Simone’s statement on Instagram with a three-heart emoji—subtle, yet powerful.
The moment underscored the unity between the couple and Biles’ shift toward a more thoughtful tone. While Gaines continues her campaign, Biles’ apology and call for empathy suggest she’s aiming for dialogue rather than division. “These are sensitive, complicated issues,” she wrote, “but I believe it starts with empathy and respect.”
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