Simone Biles defends husband wearing her Olympic gold medal

Biles confronts backlash over her husband's supportive gesture, explaining she shares her medal with loved ones

Simone Biles has once again addressed her critics on Friday, this time defending her husband, Jonathan Owens, after he was seen wearing one of her newly won Olympic gold medals.

Biles, 27, a champion gymnast and the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, faced backlash after Owens posted a photo of himself wearing her gold medal from the Paris Olympics.

In the photo's caption, Owens expressed his pride and admiration for Biles, writing, "Witnessing history every time you step on the mat. Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! Just wow!!!! 8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it."

While many fans appreciated the gesture of support, some critics took issue with Owens wearing the medal, accusing him of acting as though he had won it himself.

One TikTok user, Kiera Breaugh, went viral with a video that urged Owens to "take her medal off," receiving over 2.1 million views.

Biles responded to this criticism by pointing out that Owens wasn't the only one to wear her medal. "Crazy thing is, I put my medal on every single one of my family members and took pictures," Biles explained. "So don't ever make assumptions. Like y'all are so fu*king miserable. Leave us alone."

Breaugh later replied with a follow-up TikTok video, jokingly expressing honour at being told off by such a talented athlete and acknowledging that if Biles wanted Owens to wear the medal, it was her decision.

Biles and Owens married on April 22, 2023, at the Harris County Courthouse in Houston and later celebrated with a second ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears, has been a supportive presence throughout Biles’ competitions at the Paris Games, cheering her on from the stands.