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Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas Says She Was Also Abused By USA Gymnastics Doctor
“I didn't publicly share my experiences...We were conditioned to stay silent," writes Gabby Douglas in a long, heartfelt Instagram post.
Gabby Douglas is coming out with abuse allegations against former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. The three-time Olympic gold medalist took to social media to say that she didn't speak out earlier. "We were conditioned to stay silent," she said Tuesday.
"I didn't publicly share my experiences as well as many other things because for years we were conditioned to stay silent and honestly some things were extremely painful," Douglas said. "I wholeheartedly support my teammates for coming forward with what happened to them."
As Rolling Stone shares, a spokesman for Douglas has confirmed with multiple outlets that her post is about Nassar.
Recently, Douglas' teammate, Aly Raisman, came out about her own abuse by Nassar. “Why are we looking at why didn't the girls speak up? Why not look at what about the culture? What did USA Gymnastics do, and Larry Nassar do, to manipulate these girls so much that they are so afraid to speak up?" she asked.
Douglas was criticized at the time for implying that female victims should be judged by their appearance and clothing. Raisman said she encourages women to "wear what you feel good in" and Douglas responded that it is "our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy" and that wearing provocatively outfits "entices the wrong crowd."
Nassar, the former USA gymnastics sports doctor, has pled guilty to seven charges of assault against young women. As part of his plea, the 54-year-old could face at least 25 years in prison.
