Why Simone Biles is facing backlash from Chicago fans after her NBA game appearance?

Simone Biles often grabs attention when she shows up at Chicago sports games. Whether it's the Chicago Bulls or the Utah Jazz, her presence at games draws quick attention, but not necessarily in the way she might expect it to be. That was the case when she unexpectedly made an appearance at the Chicago Bulls vs Utah Jazz NBA game, which immediately drew backlash from fans online. The Chicago Bulls hosted the Utah Jazz on January 14, 2026, in a regular-season matchup at the United Center in Chicago. The game was close from start to finish, with the Bulls winning 128-126. Simone Biles was seen courtside by the arena camera during the match, and her picture appeared on the Jumbotron.

Alyssa Bergamini calls Simone Biles “Chicago queen” on social media

Simone Biles demonstrated her team spirit by wearing a black Bulls hoodie and a pair of large, fluffy white boots with red toes peeking out at the front. Unlike her usual appearances with husband Jonathan Owens, she went to this game with a group of friends.


She even posted a social media update with the caption, “GWORLS NIGHTTTT,” showcasing an enjoyable night spent with her friends. Shortly after, Alyssa Bergamini, a Chicago Bulls broadcaster, posted on X showing Biles at the game: “Simone Biles in the house at the UC! She is our Chicago Queen!” The tweet swiftly went viral, and the fans were ruthless.

Fans criticize Simone Biles for the label “Chicago queen”

Many argued that Simone Biles had a stronger bond with the Bears than with Chicago basketball. Comments flooded across the internet as people debated whether she was truly crowned the "Chicago Queen" after just one NBA game.


One fan added, “Umm, no, she’s not.”

Another commented, “She’s the farthest thing from being a Chicago queen.”

Then, someone wrote, “Seriously….Chicago Queen?”


Well-known athletes often draw attention when they appear at games and events, but fans may not appreciate being labeled as “queens” after a single appearance. Simone Biles has been a regular and a familiar face at nearly every Chicago Bears game since the Paris Olympics, simply to cheer on her husband, Jonathan Owens.


Simon Biles has frequently attended the NFL games, whether from the stands or the sidelines, with her personalized gameday attire that has Owens’ name and his number 36 jersey.


Since the Bears didn’t have another game until January 18 against the Los Angeles Rams, Simone Biles attended the Bulls vs Jazz NBA game. One comment read, “She’s an absolute clown,” while another added, “Meh. Self-absorbed female. I couldn’t care less.” Some fans were offended because they felt that referring to her as a “Chicago Queen” for a single NBA appearance, while her consistent, visible support is for the NFL team, didn't exactly appeal to the local fan base.


Also read: Simone Biles net worth timeline (2016 to 2026): Gymnastics icon builds a powerful brand in the past decade




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