Jonathan Owens faced significant backlash following a comment he made in December 2023, where he referred to himself as 'the catch' in his marriage with seven-time Olympic champion Simone Biles. The NFL star's remark sparked criticism as it was perceived to imply that he considered himself a bigger catch than Biles, who was present during the interview.
Owens, however, revealed that he was unaware of the negative attention initially, as he keeps his social media notifications turned off. He emphasized that he tries to avoid engaging with online criticism and only intervenes if things escalate. The athlete acknowledged the reality of being scrutinized, stating, 'damned if you do, damned if you don’t,' highlighting the inevitability of public scrutiny regardless of one's actions.
Despite the controversy, Owens expressed his belief in living authentically and not succumbing to external pressures. He emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of criticism, as people will always have opinions regardless of one's actions.
In addition to the 'catch' comment, Owens stirred further discussion by claiming he was unaware of Biles' identity before they began dating. Biles, on the other hand, initially found the situation amusing but later admitted that the backlash took a toll on her mental well-being.
During a podcast appearance, Biles defended Owens, describing him as a supportive and caring partner who never belittled her. She clarified that Owens' statement about being 'the catch' was not meant to diminish her worth but rather to express his own self-worth.
Biles praised Owens for his kindness and devotion, emphasizing that he consistently demonstrates his love and admiration for her. Despite the initial misunderstanding, the couple's bond remains strong, with Biles expressing gratitude for Owens' unwavering support and affection.
