US Gymnast Gabby Douglas Says She Was Abused

Olympic Gold Medal-winning U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas alleged that she was abused by former U.S. team doctor Larry Nassar.

USA Gymnastics teammates McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman have also claimed that he abused them during their careers.

Douglas, 21, drew criticism on social media after she responded to a tweet Raisman made saying that the way a woman dresses doesn’t mean that someone should sexually abuse or harass her. Douglas replied that women should "dress modestly and be classy ... dressing in a provocative/sexual way entices the wrong crowd” before it was deleted.

Douglas on Tuesday then apologized.

"I didn't view my comments as victim shaming because I know that no matter what you wear, it NEVER gives anyone the right to harass or abuse you. It would be like saying that because of the leotards we wore, it was our fault we were abused by Larry Nassar," Douglas said on Instagram.

"I didn't publicly share my experiences as well as many other things because for years we were conditioned to stay silent and honestly some things were extremely painful. I wholeheartedly support my teammates for coming forward with what happened to them."

Nassar on Wednesday pleaded guilty to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges, CNN reported.

Maroney on Twitter said that Nassar abused her when she was 13.

"It seemed whenever and wherever this man could find the chance, I was 'treated.' It happened in London before my team and I won the gold medal, and it happened before I won silver," Maroney, now 21, said on Twitter.

USA Gymnastics praised Douglas, Maroney, and Raisman for speaking out. "USA Gymnastics understands that sharing one's personal story of abuse requires courage and fortitude," the statement read, according to CNN. "We admire the strength shown by Gabby and her teammates in speaking out publicly to hold a predator accountable."