By Valeria Bula
In a recent string of continuous sexual assault allegations made towards USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, another gymnastic star came out saying, me too.
Just as the sentencing for his previous allegations was about to be made, American gymnast Simon Biles came out on Twitter Monday afternoon to make her announcement under #metoo.
Biles testimony is one amongst the list of 140 female athletes who have fallen victim to the once respected doctor, including notables such as Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, and McKayla Maroney. Many of such victims have admitted they have been pressured to silence by powerful institutions, such as USA Gymnastics.
Despite this, the organization has pledged “unwavering” support for Biles and the other “courageous” victims
“USA Gymnastics is absolutely heartbroken, sorry and angry that Simone Biles or any of our athletes have been harmed by the horrific acts of Larry Nassar,” the group said. “We are our athletes’ advocates. USA Gymnastics will continue to listen to our athletes and our members in our efforts of creating a culture of empowerment with a relentless focus on athlete safety every single day.”
Though not going into specifics about the abuses that transpired, Biles said they occurred under the guise of “special treatment” by Nassar, a claim several of his victims have also made.
Now, Larry faces sentencing on Tuesday in a Michigan state court following his guilty plea to seven counts of criminal sexual assault back in November.
In the plea, Nassar admitted to sexually abusing patients as far back as 1998, and some under the age of 13. He did so under the guise of providing “medically necessary treatments.” In addition, several days have also been set apart to allow for victim testimonies. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office estimate that at least 88 people are expected to speak.
Backlash is not falling only on Nassar, but on the USA Olympic organization as well, which allegedly paid athletes, such as Maroney, money to be quiet about the abuse.
University of Oklahoma gymnast Maggi Nichols had a private investigator hired by USA Olympics to look into her case as well.
Many gymnasts now call for a thorough investigation of the organization which allowed a “monster” to thrive for decades though silencing victims.
