Gymnast Gabby Douglas apologizes for insensitive tweet about sexual abuse

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Gymnast Gabby Douglas has caused quite the stir with her remarks to Olympian Aly Raisman who has said she was sexually abused by the US women’s gymnastics team doctor.

Douglas tweeted, “It is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy,” Douglas tweeted. “Dressing in a provocative/sexual way entices the wrong crowd.”

The 21-year-old has since deleted the tweet but she made the comment while retweeting Raisman’s post that said, “We are all in this together. If we’re going to create change, I need all your help.”

In August, Raisman, 23, and a three-time gold Olympic medal winner revealed on 60 Minutes that she was sexually molested by Dr. Larry Nassar. Nassar is currently jailed after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.

As of this writing over 130 women have filed civil lawsuits against him on the grounds that he abused them when he was supposed to be treating their injuries.

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“The people at the very top, that work at the office every single day at USA Gymnastics, they need to do better,” Raisman said, before adding, “It’s making me sad. I’m here to support my teammates because we got inducted to the Hall of Fame and I’m here to support the girls who are competing. I love the Olympics, I love gymnastics, I love the sport. But I don’t support how USA Gymnastics is handling everything right now.”

It didn’t take long for Twitter users to pile on Douglas for her inappropriate comments. One of the people who had something to say was fellow Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. She made sure her support for Raisman was clear, posting, “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. I support you Aly & all the other women out there! STAY STRONG.”

Douglas didn’t seem to understand why people were so upset with her at first and began replying to her critics with what appeared to be confusion.

Later, however, she apologized blaming the tweet on her not being able to correctly word what she was trying to say.

“Regardless of what you wear, abuse under any circumstances is never acceptable. I am WITH you. #metoo,” she added.

https://twitter.com/Cantsitbehindme/status/931672152553738240

https://twitter.com/ReignOfApril/status/931672937115119616