On Wednesday, Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney said in a statement that she had been sexually assaulted by Dr. Larry Nasser, the former physician for the U.S. national and Olympic gymnastics teams.
#MeToo pic.twitter.com/lYXaDTuOsS
โ mckayla (@McKaylaMaroney) October 18, 2017
Maroney wrote in her statement that she wanted people to know the abuse wasn’t just happening in Hollywood, and that she was inspired to speak out after seeing others come forward.
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“Dr. Nassar told me that I was receiving ‘medically necessary treatment that he had been performing on patients for over 30 years,’” the 21-year-old wrote. “It started when I was 13 years old, at one of my first National Team training camps, in Texas, and it didn’t end until I left the sport. It seemed whenever and wherever this man could find the chance, I was ‘treated.’”
In light of the recent allegations against Harvey Weinstein and the #MeToo movement, social media was quick to respond to Maroney’s words, with may offering messages of support.
Sympathy
Many Twitter users, including gold medal-winning Olympianย Dominiqueย Moceanu, shared their sorrow forย the horrorย Maroneyย endured.
@McKaylaMaroney I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m proud of you for speaking up and finding your voice. May you begin healing.
โ Dominique Moceanu (@Dmoceanu) October 18, 2017
No dream should “require” sexual abuse. This has to stop. So sorry you went through this @McKaylaMaroney ? https://t.co/OGXfhAMgDb
โ Maiah Ocando (@MaiahOcando) October 18, 2017
Horrifying, soul-crushing and so fucking important. You are so brave and beautiful. Iโm so sorry for what you have been through. Thank you.
โ Deanna Hong (@DeannaHong) October 18, 2017
Strength
Many praised Maroneyย for sharing her story, noting how difficult it must have been for her to do so.
These are powerful, necessary words from McKayla Maroney.
โ Whitney McIntosh (@WhitneyM02) October 18, 2017
I can’t imagine how difficult it was to share this. https://t.co/wZ8SPPVTmU
What you’ve done is a brave thing to do, to tell your experience to the world. Hopefully this gives people the confidence to speak up…
โ Daniel Davies (@TheRebel112) October 18, 2017
so heartbreaking how many girls this has happened to. thank you for being so courageous and brave and using your voice. love you mckayla.
โ alyssa (@stephlabbes) October 18, 2017
I’m so proud of you for speaking out about something like this, where many would be ashamed and afraid. Thank you for bringing awareness. ?
โ ใใฟ (@osnapitzemmie) October 18, 2017
Speaking out
Others expressed their appreciation for Maroney speaking out, noting that she was heard and validated.
โ Emmy Rossum (@emmyrossum) October 18, 2017
โItโs never too late to speak upโ Never. Ever. Thank you @McKaylaMaroney #metoo
โ Jessica O’Beirne (@OtotheBeirne) October 18, 2017
So brave and so heartbreaking thank you for this. I hope it helps change things. Drastic changes need to be made ??
โ Danusia Francis (@danusiafrancis) October 18, 2017
Bless you, @McKaylaMaroney. You probably saved some lives today.
โ Dr. ChandaQuark ?? (@IBJIYONGI) October 18, 2017
Photo Credit: Twitter / @McKaylaMaroneyย
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