Simone Biles Confronts Online Abuse Amid Support from Husband Jonathan Owens
Introduction
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has recently faced a surge of online harassment related to her past trauma and personal life. Despite her resilience and advocacy, these attacks have taken a toll on her mental health. Her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, has been a steadfast supporter during these challenging times.
Online Harassment and Its Impact
Biles has been subjected to malicious messages that mock her experiences with former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who is serving up to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting young gymnasts. One particularly vile message questioned, "Were you molested by that Nasser coach?" and criticized her marriage, calling her "damaged goods."
Sharing these messages on Instagram, Biles expressed her frustration: "Hope y'all are having a better day than me. These are the texts I receive from random a numbers. Btw y'all are fin weird for this."
Jonathan Owens' Support and Public Scrutiny
Jonathan Owens, currently with the Chicago Bears, has been a pillar of support for Biles. However, he has also faced public scrutiny. In a December 2023 interview on "The Pivot" podcast, Owens remarked that he "didn't know" who Biles was when they first connected on the dating app Raya in 2020. He added, "I always say that the men are the catch."
These comments sparked backlash, with many criticizing Owens for appearing dismissive of Biles' accomplishments. Biles addressed the controversy on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast in April 2024, stating, "He never said I wasn't a catch. He said he was a catch because he is! I've never met a man like him." She further expressed her distress over the negative comments: "I thought it was hilarious at first and then it hurt my feelings. One night I broke down and I'm like, 'Why are you guys talking about my husband like this?'"
The Toll on Mental Health
The combined effect of personal attacks and public criticism has been challenging for Biles. She has been open about her struggles with mental health, especially following the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where she experienced the "twisties," a dangerous condition causing disorientation mid-air. In her docuseries "Simone Biles Rising," she reflected on the immense pressure she faced and how past trauma contributed to her experiences.
Advocacy and Moving Forward
Despite these challenges, Biles continues to advocate for mental health awareness and support for survivors of abuse. She has testified before the U.S. Senate, condemning the system that allowed Nassar's abuse to persist. Her resilience serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the importance of addressing mental health and standing against online harassment.
Conclusion
Simone Biles' recent experiences highlight the pervasive issue of online harassment and its impact on mental health. With the unwavering support of her husband, Jonathan Owens, she continues to navigate these challenges, advocating for change and inspiring others with her strength and resilience.
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