Simone Biles hit back on Friday when a troll questioned why the 11‑time Olympic medalist was at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Madison Square Garden wedding, posting a sharp reply on X and sharing her own wedding‑inspired photos.
What sparked the backlash?
A user on X asked, “When has Simone Biles and Taylor Swift even spoken to each other?” The comment appeared after Biles and husband Jonathon Owens posted Instagram snaps of her burgundy leather‑tulle gown from the ceremony. The question implied the gymnast didn’t belong among the celebrity crowd, prompting Biles to respond, “remember this, I only show y’all what I want y’all to know.”
How did Biles defend the invite?
Biles leaned into Swift’s own lyrics, captioning her post with “the perfect love story, followed by the perfect night,” a nod to the pop star’s hit “Love Story.” She also highlighted the couple’s monogramed “T’s” that appeared on the décor, showing she was aware of the wedding’s details. The gymnast reminded fans that she and Swift have supported each other publicly, from a floor routine set to “Ready for It” at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials to Swift’s 2021 video narration for NBC’s Tokyo coverage.
Why does the friendship matter?
Both athletes have used their platforms to lift each other. After Biles’ routine, Swift tweeted, “Watched this so many times and still unready. She’s ready for it tho.” In 2021, Swift narrated a tribute video for Biles as the gymnast returned from the “twisties” at the Tokyo Games. Those moments illustrate a genuine bond that extends beyond a single Instagram post, countering the troll’s implication of a random invite.
What was Biles’ look at the wedding?
The gymnast chose a Đỗ Long gown crafted from burgundy leather, tulle, and jewels, featuring a high neck, halter shoulders, and a waist‑line cutout. Jonathon Owens complemented her in a matching burgundy velvet tux. Their coordinated style earned praise from the NFL star who posted a carousel of the couple’s outfits, writing, “What a night – so grateful to witness such a beautiful ceremony with so many amazing people.”
How did the night unfold for the guests?
Swift and Kelce’s ceremony drew over 1,000 guests, including Selena Gomez, Miranda Lambert, Ed Sheeran, Karlie Kloss, Gigi Hadid, and Bradley Cooper. The celebration continued into the early hours, with Biles joining the party and sharing her excitement on social media. Her presence underscored the crossover appeal of elite athletes in pop‑culture events, reinforcing that her influence reaches far beyond the gymnastics mat.
What’s the broader impact?
Biles’ quick rebuttal sent a clear message: she controls her narrative and won’t let speculation diminish her achievements. By publicly defending her friendship with Swift, she also highlighted the supportive network that helps elite gymnasts navigate pressure. The episode may encourage other athletes to speak up when faced with unwarranted criticism, reinforcing the idea that personal connections can coexist with professional excellence.