Simone Biles Catches Eyes in a Breathtaking Look at the ESPYS as Her Husbands Moment Has the Internet Divided

Rachel Perkins | July 16, 2026 | Celebrity | No Comments

Images from the ESPYS highlighted the renowned gymnast’s striking look, but a clip from the red carpet shifted the viewer’s attention to a different topic.

Simone Biles made a memorable entrance at the 2026 ESPYS on July 15, quickly drawing attention as snapshots of the Olympic athlete and her spouse, Jonathan Owens, safety for the Indianapolis Colts, spread across social media.

Other commenters speculated about the couple's chemistry, with some interpreting their red carpet expressions as a sign that they looked unhappy together. — Other commenters speculated about the couple’s chemistry, with some interpreting their red carpet expressions as a sign that they looked unhappy together.

The couple posed for photographers upon arriving at New York City’s David H. Koch Theater for the prestigious awards ceremony. An Instagram video shared by Us Weekly featured highlights from their time on the red carpet.

The ESPYS weren't the first time the couple's public appearances sparked discussion online. Their relationship has continued to draw attention whenever they appear together at major sporting events or red carpets. — The ESPYS weren’t the first time the couple’s public appearances sparked discussion online. Their relationship has continued to draw attention whenever they appear together at major sporting events or red carpets.

Biles paused briefly for a gown adjustment before returning to pose for the cameras, with Owens supporting her throughout. After they took several pictures together, he stepped back, allowing Biles to have her moment for solo shots.

Focus on Owens’ Behavior

Many social media users began commenting on Owens’ demeanor in the video. One user on Instagram stated, ‘That’s embarrassing,’ while another criticized, ‘They never look happy together.’

However, not all responses were negative. Another Instagram user redirected the conversation to their fashionable appearance, expressing, ‘It’s prom attire! I love it!’

Not every public appearance by the couple takes place on a red carpet. While attending a men's ice hockey playoff quarterfinal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, they were photographed sharing a moment in the stands. — Not every public appearance by the couple takes place on a red carpet. While attending a men’s ice hockey playoff quarterfinal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, they were photographed sharing a moment in the stands.

Discussion continued under a separate Instagram post featuring the couple, with one person joking that Owens resembled a statue, while another questioned, ‘Why doesn’t he smile?’ Others commented on their outfits, with one saying they are ‘really the best dressed.’

The debate spilled over to X, where opinions remained divided. One individual praised the couple’s chemistry, noting, ‘When you have someone who understands you, it’s evident. You can tell in the way they carry themselves.’ Another humorously remarked, ‘He looks better than she does,’ while a third called them ‘easily one of the best dressed couples of the night.’

Why Biles’ Look Stood Out

Biles wore a stunning champagne-gold gown with a structured bodice, a high slit, and a flowing train that trailed behind her as she posed. She enhanced her look with dazzling jewelry and metallic heels.

This close-up shows the details that were harder to notice in the viral video. Biles' sparkling necklace, soft waves, and structured bodice became part of the fashion conversation that unfolded alongside the debate over the couple's red carpet moment. — This close-up shows the details that were harder to notice in the viral video. Biles’ sparkling necklace, soft waves, and structured bodice became part of the fashion conversation that unfolded alongside the debate over the couple’s red carpet moment.

From this angle, the sweeping train takes center stage as Biles poses alone on the carpet. The image captures the fashion moment that many social media users felt deserved as much attention as the viral discussion surrounding Owens.

Owens complemented her style in a chocolate-brown suit featuring satin lapels, a matching shirt and tie, a silver waist chain, and a floral lapel pin. Their coordinated outfits led some social media users to commend their fashion sense, even as debates about Owens’ serious demeanor continued.

The full-length view reveals why Biles' gown became one of the evening's biggest talking points. The dramatic train and thigh-high slit gave the look movement and presence, drawing attention even before the video of the couple began circulating online. — The full-length view reveals why Biles’ gown became one of the evening’s biggest talking points. The dramatic train and thigh-high slit gave the look movement and presence, drawing attention even before the video of the couple began circulating online.

Standing side by side, Biles and Owens coordinated their looks with complementary champagne and chocolate-brown tones. While some viewers focused on Owens' expression, others pointed to this photo as evidence that the pair arrived in one of the night's most polished ensembles. — Standing side by side, Biles and Owens coordinated their looks with complementary champagne and chocolate-brown tones. While some viewers focused on Owens’ expression, others pointed to this photo as evidence that the pair arrived in one of the night’s most polished ensembles.

The spotlight didn’t fade after they left the red carpet. Photographers captured Biles and Owens strolling through the city, where Owens appeared calm while Biles beamed beside him.

Away from the backdrop, the couple's coordinated outfits remained just as striking as they walked through New York City hand in hand. The candid image offered a different perspective from the red carpet and showed the pair interacting beyond the brief viral clip. — Away from the backdrop, the couple’s coordinated outfits remained just as striking as they walked through New York City hand in hand. The candid image offered a different perspective from the red carpet and showed the pair interacting beyond the brief viral clip.

This candid moment captured the couple making their way through the city after the event. With Owens leading the way and Biles smiling beside him, the image adds context beyond the still expressions that fueled so much discussion online.

This is not the first time Simone Biles and Owens have attracted attention online. During Biles’ impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a post featuring the couple also generated mixed responses.

During the Olympics in France, Owens was thrilled to support Biles. He shared a photo of themselves in Paris, proudly wearing her gold medal around his neck as they posed together.

Biles' celebration in Paris came after one of the most successful Olympic performances of her career. The milestone also set the stage for the social media moments she and Owens continued to generate long after the Games ended. — Biles’ celebration in Paris came after one of the most successful Olympic performances of her career. The milestone also set the stage for the social media moments she and Owens continued to generate long after the Games ended.

In his post, he expressed, ‘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!!!!! I’m so grateful I was there to see it.’

Biles responded with sincere appreciation, stating, ‘Means the world you’re here,’ and added, ‘My whole heart. I love you ❤️❤️❤️❤️.’ However, the comments section saw some critics questioning why Owens chose to wear her medal.

Nothing in this moment hinted that the conversation would soon move beyond gymnastics. The celebration that followed gave the public an entirely different glimpse into Biles' Olympic journey. — Nothing in this moment hinted that the conversation would soon move beyond gymnastics. The celebration that followed gave the public an entirely different glimpse into Biles’ Olympic journey.

One user noted, ‘Why is he holding it like he won it?’ while another remarked, ‘Give the medal back, that’s not yours [sic].’

Some comments were particularly vocal, with one saying, ‘That’s Simone’s gold medal you’re holding, not yours, my guy. 😂😂.’ Another user, confused by the situation, asked, ‘Is he being problematic on purpose? Serious question.’

Owens has faced criticism from fans before.

Criticism for Owens’ ‘The Catch’ Comment

In December 2023, Jonathan Owens featured on The Pivot Podcast, where he was asked how he attracted someone like Biles. He humorously remarked that the question should really be ‘how she pulled me.’ He described how he ended up in Houston for a few months while single.

A friend suggested he try a dating app called Raya, and after using it for a few days, Biles came up as a match. Intrigued by her as a gymnast, which he had never previously followed, he swiped right.

Jonathan Owens talking about his relationship with Simone Biles on The Pivot Podcast on December 20, 2023

After they matched, following a workout, Owens checked the app again to find he had received some likes. After showering, he saw Biles had messaged him.

However, he thought her message might be fake since he was unaware of who she was. What caught his attention was her large follower count, which implied her talent.

A Pivot Podcast co-host reacts as Jonathan Owens talks about his relationship with Simone Biles on The Pivot Podcast on December 20, 2023

Owens explained that he was in college during Biles’ first Olympics and didn’t have access to Olympic channel coverage due to being at a training camp. They began messaging on a Tuesday and decided to meet in person that Friday.

Due to the pandemic, they couldn’t do much initially, but Biles drove 45 minutes to meet him. Owens stated that the rest is history, claiming he is ‘the catch’ in their relationship.

Jonathan Owens talks about his relationship with Simone Biles on The Pivot Podcast on December 20, 2023

Owens admitted he was initially hesitant to commit but found an instant connection during their first night together, filled with laughter. He believed, ‘It happens when you least expect it.’

TikTok viewers who watched the interview had critical reactions, with one user commenting, ‘Nah this is actually insane😭.’ Another felt sympathy for Biles, stating, ‘I don’t know. This kinda made me sad for her 🥺🥺.’

Simone Biles reacts as Jonathan Owens talks about how they met and fell in love on The Pivot Podcast on December 20, 2023

In response to the clip on X, one user called the interview ‘cringe and embarrassing.’ Another thought Owens was trying to humble Biles.

Someone else predicted the interview could lead to ‘Divorce in 3, 2, 1..’. A user agreed, saying, ‘They’re about to break up soon. The same thing happened with Keke Palmer and her partner after their interview.’

Despite attempts to defend Biles, she soon stepped in to support her husband as online criticism intensified.

Biles Defends Her Husband

In May 2024, Biles appeared on the ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast to address the viral interview with Owens. She clarified that she had never viewed the interview negatively and emphasized that Owens did not imply she wasn’t a catch; rather, he was just expressing he was one.

Jonathan Owens at the game between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings on December 31, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Biles acknowledged his statement and affirmed she had never encountered ‘a man like him.’ She mentioned that many who meet Owens express their admiration for him, noting that he is well-liked among gym members.

She also shared that he is supportive and friendly, recalling how one young woman, close to her like a sister, would often be driven to training camp by her. This girl would leave her car at Biles’ house when visiting.

Jonathan Owens and Anthony Johnson Jr. at a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings on December 31, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Demonstrating his kind nature, Owens even arranged to have the girl’s car windows tinted for her safety. Biles felt that social media users misinterpreted the intent of her husband’s interview and perpetuated negativity around it. She insisted that Owens’ comments were unrelated to her.

Biles speculated that people’s frustration stemmed from his omission of her during the interview, but she disagreed, believing her husband deserved his moment just as much. Biles expressed that when she attended his football games, she would get field passes but never aimed to steal the spotlight from him.

All she desired at his games was to cheer him on with good luck kisses. She questioned if people wanted her to interrupt his interview to redirect focus onto herself. Biles expressed her enjoyment in supporting him.

Biles felt that while her husband stated he was a catch, the interviewer, Ryan Clark, reiterated it several times. She interpreted the interview as a moment among friends trying to uplift Owens, akin to bonding around a fire.

Alex Cooper interviewing Simone Biles who defended Jonathan Owens over his viral interview in a clip uploaded on May 2, 2024, on the Call Her Daddy podcast

She firmly stated, ‘there was nothing wrong with it.’ When the podcast host inquired about their conversations during the interview’s viral phase, Biles admitted she initially found the online commentary, like suggestions for her to divorce him, amusing.

However, her feelings were eventually hurt, prompting her to question online users about why they were making negative remarks about her husband, emphasizing that they didn’t know him personally.

Biles shared that everyone who has met Jonathan Owens recognizes he is ‘the sweetest guy’ who would do ‘anything for anybody.’ Let’s take a look at their relationship timeline.

Biles Stands Firmly Behind Her Husband

Later that month, after winning the U.S. Classic, Biles posted a heartfelt message about her husband on Instagram Stories. Owens was present at the event in Hartford, Connecticut, where he supported her enthusiastically. The gymnast stated, ‘I’m going to quickly address this, the joke was never a joke!’

She called out her followers for being ‘blatantly disrespectful’ toward her relationship and husband, declaring, ‘So I’m gonna go ahead and say this one time. Respectfully, (expletive) off.’

Biles warned that if people continued making disrespectful comments or tweets, she would block them. She added, ‘And no, I don’t need to touch grass…’ It became necessary for her to speak out, as months had passed since the podcast interview, yet Owens still faced backlash.

Simone Biles defends Jonathan Owens over his viral interview in a clip uploaded on May 2, 2024, on the Call Her Daddy podcast

In closing her post, she expressed, ‘we love y’all so much’ to her supporters. Sharing her Instagram Stories post on his own page, Owens wrote, ‘If y’all gonna support!!!’

He urged those unwilling to show respect to ‘keep scrolling’ and remarked, ‘Being fake mad about people y’all don’t know from a can of paint is weirdo behavior.’