Gabby Douglas: I Was Sexually Abused

Gabby Douglas: I Was Sexually Abused

Gabby Douglas has come forward, alleging that she was sexually abused. This week, the Olympic champion released a statement revealing that she too was a victim of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor charged with molesting seven girls. Nassar has also been publicly accused of sexually assaulting Olympic gymnasts Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney.

In Douglas’ statement, she also apologizes to those who felt that she was victim shaming, in response to her teammate Raisman’s twitter comment. See below for the controversy her comments sparked last week.

See Douglas’ statement below.

Gabby wrote,

First, I want to reiterate my apology for responding the way that I did to a comment that one of my teammates posted. I know some of you take what I am about to say as insincere, but I still wanted to provide context. I take my job as a role model very seriously and I always want to do my best to represent all the best qualities that a role model should embody. I admit there are times that I fall short. I didn’t view my comments as a victim shaming because I know that no matter what you wear, it NEVER gives anyone the right to harass or abuse you.

Despite her previous comments, Douglas says she supports both Maroney, who came forward last month via social media, and Raisman, who recounted her experience with the team doctor on 60 Minutes.

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