Simone Biles criticized fans who criticized her husband for wearing her gold medal, calling protesters “scum” and asking them to “leave [her family] alone”.

The controversy began on Tuesday, July 30, shortly after Biles, 27, and Team USA won the all-around team gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, posted a photo on Instagram that evening, with his arm around Biles and her gold medal around his neck.

“Witnessing history every time I step on the mat
Congratulations baby
on being the highest-placed American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! oh my!!!!
8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it

The post garnered more than a million likes and a slew of supportive comments, including one from Biles herself, who wrote, “With all my heart. I love you.” However, some fans weren’t so happy to see Owens appear to claim his wife’s medal.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have produced some picturesque moments since they opened on July 26. Perhaps the most viral snap carne came during the third round of the men’s surfing competition on July 29. After completing a barrel ride in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, Brazil surfer Gabriel Medina flew into the air and pointed his finger towards […]

“I’m annoyed that he’s holding it like it’s not YOURS
another added.

The controversy spilled over to TikTok when influencer Kiera Breaugh posted the photo and added her commentary.

“Take her medal off! After all – take her medal off! Wasn’t that you, Mr. Simone Biles, who was flying through the air yesterday?” she said. “Were you the one who did 30 somersaults like a top athlete in the air and landed without falling? No. You were giving the audience a note and I thought it was cute. I was going to give him a pass. I thought he was giving the audience a note so cute, I’m going to go easy on him.”

Every two years, the Summer or Winter Olympics bring together the world’s best athletes to compete in the same city and live in the same Olympic village. They’re typically in their 20s, in peak physical condition, forced into close quarters in a high-stress, high-risk environment. It’s ripe for extracurricular activities. In fact, People reports that […]

“Let her wear metal for that photo you post. After all, it could be a pretty simple PR stunt,” she added. “[You] have been ridiculed by the entire internet for trying to overshadow [your wife, and undermine her accomplishments.”

“The crazy thing is, I put my medal on every single member of my family and took pictures. So don’t ever make assumptions. It’s miserable. Leave us alone,” she wrote. “Like you’re all f**king nuts.”

Breaugh took the criticism in stride, posting another video in which she said she was “honored to be asked to step down by someone so talented.”
Biles and Owens, a safety for the Chicago Bears, started dating in 2020 and are getting married in 2023. Owens traveled to Paris this past week to support his wife.