Gabby Douglas is leaving the Rio Olympics with her third overall gold medal, but the gymnast’s Olympic return has been marred with brutal criticism and bullies attacking her on social media.
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Douglas apologized over Twitter shortly afterward, writing: “In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played”.
“I don’t think respecting your country or your flag boils down to whether you put your hand over your heart or not”, Hawkins said. It was hurtful. It was hurtful. It was hurtful. It was kind of a lot to deal with and you kind of have to stay away from that … “I still love them, still love the people who love me and the people who hate me”. She became a sensation in 2012, had her life story made into a TV movie, switched coaches three times and became the focal part of “Douglas Family Gold”, a reality TV series executive produced in part by herself and her mother that focused on Douglas’ bid to become the first repeat Olympic champion in almost 50 years.
Douglas responded at length Sunday after finishing seventh in the uneven bars, her only individual event. Later on, she was called out for looking less than enthused for teammates Simone Biles and Aly Raisman as they won the the all-around gold and silver, respectively.
“We’ve been brought to many tears because I don’t know what she’s done to warrant such an attack”.
“I support them, and I’m sorry that I wasn’t showing it, and I should have”.
“I’ve been through a lot”, she told reporters Sunday. A lot. Sometimes I sit back and say, ‘Wait. I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. “They said she had breast enhancements, they said she wasn’t smiling enough, she’s unpatriotic”.
When I heard some of the comments, I was finally like ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa.
This is not the first time Douglas has received the unwanted attention of haters online.
She’s also been dubbed “Crabby Gabby” for appearing to not support her teammates.
“I’m like, ‘Did I choose my hair texture?”
As the interview continued, Gabby went into detail about how she’s noticed that the nation has seemingly turned on her.
She apologised for reacting the way she did, even though she really shouldn’t have to. But I still love them. “I’m just going to stand on that”.
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Douglas earned criticism from some when she did not place her hand over her heart for the national anthem during the women’s team gymnastics gold medal ceremony. It’s been an unbelievable experience, an fantastic journey so far, and it’s teaching me a lot.
