Simone Biles attends Kentucky derby, stirs up controversy over her outfit
Again, Simone Biles made news with her style, rather than with her flips. When she arrived at Churchill Downs, everyone was watching her and what she wore started a conversation that really went farther than the racetrack.
Over the weekend, NFL star Jonathan Owens and his wife Simone Biles went to the Kentucky Derby. The couple, wearing matching lilac outfits, appeared at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Their appearance, all well coordinated, caught right away, some of the attention wasn’t good.
The decorated gymnast wore a soft lilac strapless minidress, decorated with purple rhinestones for the event. The stunning ensemble was accessorised with a fascinator on top of her sleek haircut and silver heels. Owens mirrored her style, currently with the Chicago Bears.
Dressed in a rhinestone studded black cap, white slacks, sneakers, a damask lilac jacket, sometimes garnished with epaulets, he was perched on a stool. Their fashion statement drew attention, but was sharply divided among the online response. Having pictures go viral, detractors quickly wrapped around social media with outrage towards Biles’ outfit.
“she look like she got a tablecloth on [sic],” a user said. Another said, “I’m not liking this look on them.” Some gave their thoughts on the dress’s length, just how long was long enough for an event. “Sounded strange Inappropriate dress for race,” stated one commenter, which meant that it was against the usual facet of the event.
“A person of that calibre should have had a longer dress for such an important event,” one other wrote. The design was praised, but deemed not appropriate: “Too short, otherwise gorgeous,” said one observer.
More severe approach was adopted by some. Someone commented on social media: “I wish she had dressed more sophisticated.” Someone else said, ‘Not a classy outfit.” One person responded, saying, ‘Biles has no class at all.”
Despite the outpouring of criticism, Biles’ admirers praised her widely. However, on social media, many beloved fans called her approach confident and brave.”“This Woman is CLASSY & STUNNING😍,” one person wrote in response to the news. The ‘best dressed’ was one such commenter.
On the red carpet, the pair revealed photos behind the scenes of their red carpet synchronized ensemble. To a question on their color choice, Biles said “Jonathan actually chose the purple.”
Even when their first online disagreement happened, we just knew that their matching outfits are the product of a partnership and their love for a set of common sense of style.
Biles wore a ceremonial role in addition to whipping up a buzz because of the fashion sentence. Part of the custom is that she was asked to call the famous “Riders up” as so much suspense and history swirls around that time. In front of the audience and cameras, Biles later took on her part.
In a lavender minidress and matching fascinator, she was flanked by local law enforcement. Confidently facing the camera, she spoke to the audience. “As I have said,” she said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the city of Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and sports fans from around the world have been waiting for this moment.”
She screamed out in passionate finale: “Riders up!” Kissed the camera and told them to get the jockeys to get on their horses. It was a time for celebration and recognition for the the seven time Olympic medallist. The dress controversy didn’t take away from Biles’ athletic prowess and even after all this, she is still a major player on the field and off the field.
Simone Biles’ visit to Kentucky Derby was more than just a fashion story; it was her coming together with one of the country’s most elegant customs. Top horse racing and Southern charm are combined with pomp and cultural status and has been doing so since 1875 in the Derby, also known as The Run for the Roses.
More than a race, the event is held each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. They celebrate history and high society for one week. It attracts celebrities, athletes and even fans from all around the world to the world of high fashion competitions, lavish charity galas, private parties.
Biles involvement was invigorating. With enough confidence, she was ready to enter a ritual of legacy and spectacle, whether on a red carpet or via that ceremonial ‘Riders up’ call. Her appearance served as a link towards Derby’s legacy and a new generation’s voice.
\
Her performance at the Derby coincided with a time of individual achievement. Just a few days before, she was one of TIME’s 100 most influential people of 2025. The honor emphasized her lingering impact on gymnastics, sports, culture and advocacy.
Biles shared the moment on Instagram with her fans. She tweeted: ‘TIME 100 ❤️ so blessed and honored to be part of TIME 100’s most influential list’ along with a photo from the photo shoot.
The honor became a new chapter in a career marked by distinction and tenacity and impact around the world. This separates her from so many others never to be forgotten as she lived history at Churchill Downs rather than just seeing it.