2 "Fierce Five" Olympic Gymnasts Allege Abuse
In the past month or so two Olympic medal winning gymnasts from team USA have stepped forward about sexual abuse they faced while on the team. Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney have stepped up alleging that Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor sexually abused them. Nassar worked formerly for Michigan State and USA Gymnastics as a team doctor. Dozens of women have already come forward, accusing Nassar of abusing them. Raisman said she was first treated by Nassar when she was just fifteen years old. She had a segment on 60 Minutes discussing her allegations. Maroney released a statement this past month saying, “whenever and wherever this man could find the chance, I was ‘treated’”. She goes on to say that it occurred in the London Olympics before she and her team won the gold medal, and again before winning a silver medal. Nassar now faces state level charges of criminal sexual conduct. Nassar has pleaded guilty to other federal charges as well. Maroney and Raisman have been praised by USA Gymnastics for coming forward and speaking the truth. USA Gymnastics is supporting them fully and are encouraging them to stand up, as their safety and protection is their priority.
It’s appalling how many cases of sexual abuse have been brought to light recently. Whether it be in politics or in Hollywood, or athletics, the numbers are mounting greatly. I’m glad and proud that these girls are now standing up and reporting what has happened to them. They should never have had to go through that. It’s disgusting how these people in positions of power, abuse their power to get what they want. And often times those abused are too afraid to speak up. It has taken these gymnasts some time to actually come forward, but it’s a good thing they finally did.
It's crazy how many people are starting to speak up about their abuse. Of course, I hate that they were abused but I think it's great that more people are finding a voice.
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad that people especially women are treated this way and it is good that these amazing gymnastis finally came forward about it.
ReplyDeleteSo many people have been coming forward with stories of sexual assault. It really scares me to know that so many people have experienced something so awful and cruel. It's really sad that someone who works to help gymnasts was doing for terrible reasons. I think that too many people go through this everyday an it needs to be stopped.
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