The internet went nuts after the US women’s gymnastics team won the gold medal, but not all of the chatter was because of the win.
Many social media users noticed gymnast Gabby Douglas didn’t put her hand over her heart during the national anthem like her teammates, and they got angry about it.
–Gabby Douglas to write ‘inspirational memoir’
https://twitter.com/glenn_chuck/status/763130561623912448?lang=en
Um, Gabby Douglas. Why is your hand not on your heart during our National Anthem? 🤔 #teamusa #finalfive
— Chelsey Graham (@misschelseygail) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/younggwhite/status/763454805469573120?lang=en
–Gabby Douglas claims she was told to get a nose job in Vanity Fair interview
After a hailstorm of criticism, Douglas took to Twitter to apologize and explain that she had not meant to disrespect anyone.
#GoUSA❗️ #TeamUSA❗️ #FinalFive❗️ 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vzhFZxYOWb
— Gabby Douglas (@gabrielledoug) August 10, 2016
“In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played. I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I’m so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country!” Douglas tweeted.
Other users found irony in the criticism of Douglas and swiftly came to her defense.
https://twitter.com/Gibbsyyyy/status/763372427254505472?lang=en
https://twitter.com/sincerelyash/status/763340008090730496?lang=en
–Gabby Douglas’ former gym refutes racism charges in Oprah interview