Olympian Gabby Douglas is the latest star to learn the hard way that careers can be crucified at the touch of a keystroke.
The 21-year-old gymnast is being dragged all over social media over comments made following another sport star’s revelation of sexual assault.
Full story below…
It all started when her teammate Aly Raisman spoke up and out with allegations of sexual assault at the hands of Team USA’s former doctor Larry Nassar.
And while Raisman received support from many, others scoffed at her and even cited her provocative nude shoot for ESPN’s Body Issue as some sort of suggestion of her “willingness.”
Today though, Raisman hit back at her detractors saying:
“Just because a woman does a sexy photoshoot or wears a sexy outfit does not give a man the right to shame her or not believe her when she comes forward about sexual abuse.”
Enter Gabby, who responded:
“However it is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy. Dressing in a provocative/sexual way entices the wrong crowd.”
The tweet has since been deleted, but – as ever – nothing truly vanishes:
As at writing, Gabby is being dragged for filth on social media. Even fellow Olympian Simone Biles weighed in saying:
The lashing is entirely justified.
Gabby’s words are problematic, as is the mantra it promotes – which effectively places blame on an individual who didn’t want to be assaulted (regardless of what they’re wearing).
A mess.