Gabby Douglas Apologizes to Aly Raisman After Writing a Victim-Shaming Tweet About Her
On Friday, former Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas took to Twitter to share her thoughts on Aly Raisman’s revelation that she was sexually assaulted by their team doctor, Larry Nassar.
Earlier in the day, Raisman shared a message to Twitter about victim shaming in which she wrote in part, “Just because a woman does a sexy photoshoot or wears a sexy outfit does not give a man the right to shame her or not believe her when she comes forward with sexual abuse.” The gold medalist added, “I encourage you all to wear what you feel good in. I will not put up with any woman or girl being shamed for wanting to wear a skirt, dress, etc. I do not tolerate it. Are we clear. Oh, and one more thing. STOP VICTIM SHAMING. It is because of you that so many survivors live in fear.”
See her full message, below:
But in a response tweet, which has since deleted, Douglas quoted Raisman’s post and added, “… It is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy. Dressing in a proactive / sexual way entices the wrong crowd.”
Almost immediately, fellow USA Gymnastics teammate Simone Biles jumped to Raisman’s defense on Twitter. “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,” Biles wrote in response to Douglas’ tweet. “I support you Aly & all the other women out there! STAY STRONG.”
Soon after, Douglas tweeted an apology. “I didn’t correctly word my reply and I am deeply sorry for coming off like I don’t stand alongside my teammates,” she wrote. “Regardless of what you wear, abuse under any circumstance is never acceptable. I am WITH you.”
Raisman is just the latest person to accuse Nassar of assault. In fact, at least 140 women are currently suing Nassar for sexual abuse. Nassar additionally plead guilty to child pornography charges earlier this year and is currently in jail. He will be sentenced in December.