Simone Biles had a rather heartwarming and fun interview with Today host Hoda Kotb, during which she was asked about motherhood and whether she and her husband, Jonathan Owens, have plans to have kids.
The USA Gymnastics legend answered the question without hesitation, sharing that she and Owens “always talk about kids.” Biles then emphasized that having children is “definitely in our future.”
While it’s a wholesome and candid moment between Kotb and Biles, many fans took issue with the question. After all, in this day and age, several people deem it inappropriate to ask and pressure a woman about having kids.
It might not be Kotb’s intention, as the veteran journalist simply wanted to know more about Biles on a personal level. Nonetheless, several fans were quick to call out the host and the show.
“Did you ask Michael Phelps if he sees himself as a dad when he was at the Olympics? Geez Today show,” a frustrated Biles supporter said.
An angry fan added, “This is a CRAZY thing to ask in an interview after the incredible performance she just put on. There are a million other questions that would make sense in the context of the Olympics… why are people so obsessed with viewing women as mothers???”
Another follower exclaimed, “There’s more to women than motherhood!”
“This is wild. It’s 2024. Stop asking this question,” a social media user added.
A critic further stated, “Why?!? Why are we asking such invasive, personal questions to anyone… let alone the female OLYMPIANS DURING THE OLYMPICS!”
Simone Biles competed in the women’s gymnastics all-around during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games on August 1, 2024.
Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
For what it’s worth, Simone Biles recently pleaded to fans and the media to stop “asking athletes what’s next after they win a medal at the Olympics.” While the gymnastics icon was referring to queries about the 2028 Olympics, some personal questions about her future plans might also fall under this.
As many fans are saying, people should just let Biles and the other Olympians enjoy the biggest moments of their respective careers.