McKayla: ‘Forced’ to accept silence for cash
OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST McKayla Maroney claims USA Gymnastics improperly silenced her with a secrecy clause when she accepted a million-dollar settlement last December over claims a team doctor molested her.
In a new negligence lawsuit filed Wednesday in Los Angeles, the elite athlete claims USA Gymnastics took advantage of her “fragile mental state” when it “forced” her to approve the confidentiality agreement to get the money she needed for “lifesaving psychological treatment.”
Under the “illegal” deal, Maroney was on the hook for more than $100,000 in potential penalties — described as 10% of the total payout — if she spoke of the settlement or the “serial sexual abuse” she suffered at the hands of Dr. Larry Nassar, the lawsuit states.
The complaint seeks to invalidate the non-disparagement and confidentiality clauses, arguing California law prohibits such provisions for something that may be prosecuted as a felony sex offense.
USA Gymnastics said Wednesday it was “disappointed” by the complaint filed by Maroney’s new firm Manly, Stewart & Finaldi. The governing body claimed it was Maroney’s prior lawyer Gloria Allred who “initiated” a “confidential mediation process” in the first place. Allred had no comment. “USA Gymnastics cannot speak to the mediation process, which is confidential and privileged under California law. The process culminated in a settlement agreement that included a mutual nondisclosure clause and a mutual nondisparagement clause,” the group said. “The settlement in 2016 was in accordance with state law, despite what has been alleged.” The statement further claimed USA Gymnastics CEO Kerry Perry is eager to speak personally with Maroney to hear her ideas on how to move the sport forward. “We applaud McKayla and others who speak up against abusive behavior — including the despicable acts of Larry Nassar. We want to work together with McKayla and others to help encourage and empower athletes to speak up against abuse.” A popular member for the “Fierce Five” U.S. women’s team at the 2012 London Olympics, Ma-