Douglas reveals she was doctor abuse victim
2012 Olympic champ latest to reveal she was sexually abused
The five members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team rejected a series of exultant suggestions for a nickname that did justice to the dominance of their victory in the London Games team competition before eventually settling on the “Fierce Five.”
In recent weeks the name has taken on a new meaning as details of what several of the five record-shattering and courageous young women endured on the way to their Olympic triumph.
Gabby Douglas, the Olympic all-around champion and the brightest star in the 2012 constellation of the superstars global gymnastics had never seen to that point, became the third member of Fierce Five to confirm that she was sexually abused by USA Gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar.
Douglas’ statement released on social media Tuesday came as Nassar has agreed a plea deal in which he will plead guilty on Wednesday to sexually assaulting seven young female athletes in a Michigan criminal case and will face at least 25 years in prison, according to people familiar with the case.
Douglas’ reference to her abuse by Nassar came in a statement apologizing for earlier comments on social media that were criticized by some as victim shaming 2012 Olympic teammate Aly Raisman, who recently said she was sexually abused by Nassar. McKayla Maroney, another member of the Fierce Five, said last month she was sexually assaulted by Nassar. Douglas in a statement released Tuesday said it was not her intention to victim shame Raisman.
“It would be like saying that because of the leotards we wore, it was our fault that we were abused by Larry Nassar,” Douglas said.
“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 continued. “I wholeheartedly support my teammates for coming forward with what happened to them.
“I understand that many Gabby Douglas, the London Olympics all-around champ, has come out and said her doctor sexually abused her.
of you didn’t know what I was dealing with, but it is important to me that you at least know this. I do not advocate victim shaming/ blaming in any way, shape or form! I will also never support attacking or bullying anyone on social media or anywhere else.”
The Southern California News Group reported in August that USA Gymnastics reached a confidential settlement in at least one civil case in California involving Nassar’s alleged sexual abuse of a teenage U.S. Olympic team member during the Olympic Games and World Championships. SCNG, as per its policy, is not revealing the identity of the gymnast.
Nassar, 54, who has already pled guilty to federal child pornography charges, could face up to 40 years in prison in the Michigan case.