Simone Biles, the 11-time Olympic medalist, recently found herself in hot water after choosing to wear a Green Bay Packers jacket to her husband Jonathan Owens’ Chicago Bears game. Despite being warned against it by a friend, Biles decided to go ahead with the outfit that prominently featured Owens in a No. 34 jersey from his time with the Packers in 2023. This decision sparked outrage among fans due to the historic rivalry between the Packers and the Bears, with many deeming it inappropriate and disrespectful.
Following her appearance at the game, social media exploded with criticism directed at Biles for her choice of attire. Fans expressed their shock and disapproval, with some even going as far as calling for Biles to be stripped of her medals for supporting the Packers while cheering for the Bears. The general consensus seemed to be that her decision was tone-deaf and insulting to her husband, who now plays for the Bears. Despite the backlash, Biles remained silent and did not address the situation directly.
Despite the controversy, Biles made an effort to connect with Chicago Bears fans through a video posted on NBC Sports’ social media. In the video, she greeted Bears fans with a cheerful “Go Bears” while sporting the contentious jacket, which was noticeably pushed off her shoulders. Additionally, she took to Instagram to showcase her outfit, which included the jacket, a black athletic bodysuit, a Prada bucket hat, reflective shades, and a Balenciaga purse. Biles completed her look with black and white Nike sneakers, captioning the post with a bear emoji.
Throughout the ordeal, Jonathan Owens stood by his wife and showed his support by commenting blue and orange heart emojis on her Instagram post. This display of solidarity between the couple echoes a previous instance where Owens faced backlash for wearing one of Biles’ Olympic gold medals at a public event. In that situation, Biles defended her husband against critics, calling them “f**ing miserable.”
The controversy surrounding Simone Biles’ choice of attire at the Chicago Bears game raises questions about the intersection of personal expression and public perception. While Biles may have intended to support her husband in a lighthearted manner, the implications of her fashion statement were interpreted differently by fans and critics. The incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that public figures face and the need for careful consideration when navigating such situations.
Simone Biles’ decision to wear a Green Bay Packers jacket to her husband’s Chicago Bears game sparked controversy and backlash on social media. Despite the criticism, Biles remained unapologetic and continued to show support for the Bears. The incident sheds light on the complexities of public image and the impact of personal choices in the public eye. As a prominent athlete, Biles faces heightened scrutiny, but her resilience in the face of criticism serves as a testament to her strength and commitment to self-expression.