OlderFans Are Disappointed in Gabby Douglas For Her Response To Aly Raisman's Victim Blaming Tweet
Aly Raisman has been opening up about her experience of being sexually assaulted by former Olympic gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar for a few weeks.
Since sharing her story, Aly is determined to erase victim blaming altogether.
“Just because a women does a sext photoshoot or wears a sexy outfit, does not give a man the right to shame her or not believe he when she comes forward about sexual abuse. What is wrong with some of you?” Aly wrote in a tweet this morning.
Former Olympic teammate Gabby Douglas saw it, and responded in an unexpected way.
Obviously, her fans are disappointed. We’re disappointed. Gabby has since deleted her tweet, but as we all know, nothing is totally gone from the internet.
She tried to explain herself, however, that didn’t go well either.
u misunderstood me. not blaming the victim at all. no man should look at any woman that way.
— Gabby Douglas (@gabrielledoug) November 17, 2017
After her response, Gabby‘s fans (or, now former fans) are teaching her a lesson about what victim blaming and shaming is on the social media network.
“You really should read up on rape and how no matter what you wear, your clothes have nothing to do with being raped. Your comment was heartbreaking, uneducated and misinformed. You owe victims an apology,” one fan responded to her.
Another added, “Sexual assault/abuse isn’t about what you wear. It’s about power. Someone could be head to toe covered and still be assaulted. I strongly encourage you to evaluate what you’re saying and how it can affect others, especially many young women who have looked up to you.”
Simone Biles was even shocked by her response.
shocks me that I’m seeing this but it doesn’t surprise me… honestly seeing this brings me to tears bc as your teammate I expected more from you & to support her. I support you Aly ???? & all the other women out there!
STAY STRONG pic.twitter.com/CccTzhyPcb— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) November 17, 2017
Click inside to see more fans responses to Gabby’s tweet…
No, actually it doesn't. You should be ashamed. You can no longer stand with your teammates and friends, because you're part of the problem.
— Sara Neushwander (@SaraNeush) November 17, 2017
No it doesn’t. You’re literally victim blaming& shaming. Instead of telling girls and women to cover up, tell boys/men to stop being pigs. It’s time to get out of that mindset that society has engrained within us. We should be able to wear whatever we want without being assaulted
— CALL 1-800-868-3406 ???????? AND VOTE ONLINE (@ValaurShadSquad) November 17, 2017
in other news, tonight i have to pass for 21 so you can all bet your asses (you included, @gabrielledoug) that i’m going to put on my best face and freakum dress …and then i’m going to wish someone tell me i’m asking for it
— anna ? (@sharnasharmony) November 17, 2017
It doesn’t. Rape culture conditions women to think the onus is on THEM to protect themselves from abusers. Instead of the blame solely being on the abusers themselves. And your statement reflects that same troubling thinking. Please be mindful how what you say affects others
— Athena (@Olaide__) November 17, 2017
.@gabrielledoug you literally implied that Aly asked for the wrong attention, you’re part of the problem. She was being comfy with herself.
— #1 seb & chris stan (@cptbuckybarnes) November 17, 2017
I’m so frustrated because I looked up to you for so long. I was assaulted when I was 11. In my pajamas. Please tell me how i could’ve prevented this and how I didn’t have responsibility.
— jess (@riseupliam) November 17, 2017
.@gabrielledoug please learn about how by putting ANY responsibility on a VICTIM you are perpetuating rape culture. Is a leotard classy and provocative? "However we dress, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no."
— Becca (@LaLaBex22) November 17, 2017
.@gabrielledoug this is an excellent chance to listen to your followers, learn why your opinion contributes to misogyny, and apologize for what you said. You can do better.
— Jamie Miller (@JamieKM16) November 17, 2017
Gabby Douglas was on the team with Aly and McKayla. Someone please tell me she is kidding. Where is this excerpt from?! https://t.co/Nhi4VO0VHG
— VCLAN (@IlaDem16) November 17, 2017
No @gabrielledoug, it’s not “our responsibility” to dress like anything. Don’t contribute to rape culture please. Thanks. pic.twitter.com/ZAu42l2UG1
— TripleTwist (@TripleTwistGym) November 17, 2017
If you have the guts to tweet something like this in the first place you better own it and be ready to defend it. I’m going to remember this forever. Shame on you. @gabrielledoug pic.twitter.com/qnyLcFHdM5
— you look like luther vandross (@dwtsfishovskiy) November 17, 2017
When two of your own Olympic teammates (and countless others) share stories of abuse but you believe girls/women should watch what they wear. Absolutely innapropriare and very sad state of affairs! @gabrielledoug
— VCLAN (@IlaDem16) November 17, 2017
