Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas has joined a group of female gymnasts who have accused a former U.S. team doctor of sexually abusing them.
Douglas, 21, explained this week in an Instagram post that for years she and the other victims in the group had been conditioned by the doctor, Larry Nassar, to remain silent about the abuse the abuse. Former teammate McKayla Maroney made similar allegations last month against Nassar.
Douglas was taken to task for comments she made a week ago on social media that suggested women should dress more modestly to prevent abuse. However, she quickly apologized, saying her comments were taken out of context.
“I didn’t view my comments as victim shaming because I know no matter what you wear, it NEVER gives anyone the right to harass or abuse you,” Douglas wrote.
Nassar, 54, who was stripped of his medical license and named last year in lawsuits filed by more than 125 plaintiffs, is accused of molesting several girls while working for USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. He’s also facing similar charges in a neighboring Michigan county.
Nassar has pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assault charges and faces at least 25 years in prison.