Online reaction to Simone Biles’ new tattoo has been mixed, with some users praising how sweet the gesture is and others disagreeing. Her tattoo comes after her beau did something similar earlier this year.
Superstar gymnast Simone Biles has gotten some new ink work done that seemingly pays special homage to her beloved footballer husband, Jonathan Owens. Via social media, the Olympian’s tattoo artist revealed what she created for Biles, which she inked on one of her manicured fingers. However, not all netizens think Biles’ new tattoo is a good idea.
User comment about Simone Biles’ new tattoo, posted on September 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
On September 20, tattoo artist Sydney Smith, co-owner of SYZYGY Precision Tattooing, shared a video of her unveiling Biles’ special tattoo.
Footage showed Smith peeling back a small white cover on Biles’ finger to reveal a tiny “J,” which is the letter of her husband’s first name (Jonathan).
Sydney Smith unveiling Simone Biles’ new tattoo, posted on September 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram/sydsmithhh and syzygytattooing
Smith positioned the “J” off-center and right underneath what appeared to be Biles’ ring finger. She then took a cotton patch and wiped the tattoo down.
Sydney Smith and Simone Biles’ hands, posted on September 20, 2024 | Source: Instagram/sydsmithhh and syzygytattooing
“A tiny ‘J’ for @simonebiles ♡,” captioned Smith alongside the video. She also accompanied the post with music star Halle Bailey’s “Because I Love You.”
Simone Biles and Sydney Smith | Source: Instagram/sydsmithhh and syzygytattooing
Boasting about how much she loves her new tattoo, Biles took to the comment section of Smith’s post to swoon, “obsessed […] 🤎.” While Biles is more than happy with her tattoo, netizens feel differently. Some social media users expressed disdain for the ink artwork.
Biles’ “J” tattoo comes just over two months after she revealed Owens had gotten a similar one back in July (2024).
“Embarrassing,” remarked an Instagrammer. Commenting on the size of the tattoo, another opined, “The tiniest letter I’ve ever seen. If [you’re] blind or [have] vision issues you can’t see it 😂😂😂.”
Others think the new tattoo could be a bad omen for Biles and Owens. “Oh no… that’s usually the worst luck for a relationship,” noted a user, while another echoed, “Bad luck.”
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles posing for a picture, posted on July 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
However, amid the judgmental comments came a few praises. “This is cute! I’d get it!” exclaimed a fan while another marveled, “Insane!!! 🔥.” After complimenting the tattoo, an observer added, “Easy to cover.”
A close-up of Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles’ hands, posted on July 22, 2024 | Source: Instagram/simonebiles
Another spectator who did not understand why some people seemed to take issue with Biles’ tattoo defended, “They [are] MARRIED so what’s the issue?” “Love all her tats- so classy,” praised an admirer.
As the aforementioned fan’s comment suggests, the gold medalist has several other tattoos, including another recent one done by Smith.
A video post shared on Smith’s Instagram on September 22 revealed that Biles now has the words “Made in Heaven” tattooed in all caps on the back of her neck.
Biles’ “J” tattoo comes just over two months after she revealed Owens had gotten a similar one back in July (2024). The NFL player’s wife shared an image on her since-expired Instagram Story of the big cursive “S” Owens got inked on his ring finger.
Reacting to her husband’s tattoo, Biles layered two screaming emojis, two red hearts, and two crossed fingers emojis over the snap. While Owens did not confirm what his tattoo represents, fans concluded that it had to be an homage to Biles, given that the tattoo features the initial of her first name.
At the time Owens had gotten his tattoo, he had been supporting Biles amid her preparation for the Paris Olympics. The Chicago Bears player had even booked off a couple of days from training camp so he could cheer her on at the prestigious sports event.
Reportedly, Jonathan Owens had also been showering his beloved wife with lavish gifts like Louis Vuitton bags and pink roses ahead of the Olympic trials. Simone Biles posted about her presents on her since-expired Instagram Story, which also included a snap of Owens.
In the same way that Owens showed support for Biles when she was gearing up to compete in the Paris Olympics, he showered her with praise when she secured her place as the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history. However, he faced some backlash online for how he chose to celebrate Biles’ milestone.
Owens, who was at Biles’ side in France, was over the moon about his wife’s stellar performance. He took to social media to celebrate her monumental win with a heartwarming tribute.
Simon Biles and Jonathan Owens sharing a kiss, posted on July 31, 2024 | Source: Instagram/jowens
Sharing a charming photo of the couple amid the vibrant Parisian atmosphere, Owens couldn’t hide his pride. In the snapshot, he lovingly wore Biles’ gold medal around his neck as they basked in their shared joy.
“Witnessing history every time you step on the mat 😍🔥,” expressed Owens in his post’s caption. He continued to shower his superstar wife with praise, writing, “Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! Just wow!!!! 8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it.”
Responding with heartfelt gratitude, Biles penned, “Means the world you’re here” and added, “My whole heart. I love you ❤️❤️❤️❤️.” Critics took to the comment section questioning Owens’ decision to wear Biles’ medal.
One user remarked, “Why is he holding it like he won it?” Another chimed in with, “Give the medal back bby, that’s not yours [sic].”
Some were particularly vocal, saying things like, “That’s Simone’s gold medal you’re holding, not yours, my guy. 😂😂” and “There’s something very unsettling about you wearing her medal. Seems off.”
One frustrated user even demanded, “Give it back to her immediately 🥇.” Meanwhile, another commenter who was puzzled by the situation, asked, “Is he being problematic on purpose? Serious question.”
Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles posing for a picture, posted on December 22, 2023 | Source: Instagram/jowens
This wasn’t the first time that Owens faced heat from netizens. Back in December 2023, the NFL star landed in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after some controversial comments about his relationship with Biles during an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast.
When asked about how the two met, which was through the dating app Raya in 2020, Owens revealed that despite Biles’ fame, he didn’t know who she was at the time.
Jonathan Owens speaking on “The Pivot” podcast, posted on December 19, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@thepivotpodcast
Things got even spicier when Owens was asked if he saw himself as “the catch” in their relationship. He cheekily responded, “I always say that the men are the catch.” Owens also admitted he was initially hesitant to commit but eventually fell head over heels for Biles.
Jonathan Owens | Source: YouTube/@thepivotpodcast
His comments sparked quite a backlash online, with some fans taking issue with his remarks about the Olympic icon. Fast forward to April this year, Biles came to her husband’s defense during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.
Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens before a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wisconsin on October 29, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Addressing the viral moment, Biles revealed she was present during the interview, and when the camera zoomed in on her, she simply rolled her eyes and laughed.
Simone Biles on “The Pivot” podcast, posted on December 19, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@thepivotpodcast
She clarified that Owens never suggested she wasn’t a catch but was instead emphasizing his own worth. Biles also praised her husband, stating that he adores her and that she’s never met anyone quite like him.
Speaking out on the matter further, the Olympic icon even went as far as addressing critics on her X account, with a cheeky post.
As for Owens, he brushed off the criticism with ease. He kept his social media notifications off and thus, was only aware of the uproar at a later stage.
When he did catch wind of it, he responded by posting a series of romantic photos with Biles and captioning them, “Unbothered 😂❤️ Just know we locked in over here 🤞🏽.”