Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas found herself in hot water on Friday after her response to teammate Aly Raisman's tweet about victim shaming.
Earlier this month, Raisman revealed that she was sexually abused by former U.S. gymnastics team Doctor Larry Nassar Friday morning, Raisman posted a note encouraging others to stop victim shaming, saying just because a woman does a sexy photoshoot or wears sexy outfits doesn't give a man the right to shame her or not believe when she comes forward about sexual abuse.
In a shocking response, Douglas wrote that women should be mindful of how they dress.
“It is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy,” Douglas wrote while quoting Raisman’s post. “Dressing in a provocative/sexual way entices the wrong crowd.’
When told that it's not the woman's responsibility to make sure she is not assaulted, Douglas responded, "it goes both ways."
Several people went off on Douglas for her response, including another teammate, fellow Olympic star and gymnast Simone Biles.
“Shocks me that I’m seeing this but it doesn’t surprise me... honestly seeing this brings me to tears bc as your teammate I expected more from you & to support her,” she wrote to express her disgust at Douglas’ words. “I support you Aly & all the other women out there! STAY STRONG.”
After receiving immense backlash, Douglas sent out another tweet, saying she didn't properly write the first one.
"i didn't correctly word my reply & i am deeply sorry for coming off like i don't stand alongside my teammates. regardless of what you wear, abuse under any circumstance is never acceptable. i am WITH you. #metoo," Douglas tweeted.
Raisman was the second member of the America's 2012 Olympic gold medal gymnastics squad to accuse Nassar of sexual abuse. She was 15-years-old when Nassar first started treating her. McKayla Maroney said last month that she was molested by Nassar for several years, beginning when she was 13. They joined more than 100 female gymnasts who say they've been assaulted by the former U.S. national gymnastics team doctor.
Nassar, 53, is currently in jail awaiting sentencing in Michigan as he prepares for trial in December over charges that he sexually assaulted nine girls.
Source: nydailynews.com
