Aly Raisman Says USAG Is '100% Responsible' For Larry Nassar Abuse
Aly Raisman Says USAG Is '100% Responsible' For Larry Nassar Abuse
Raisman has been very vocal on social media, speaking out against USA Gym's handling of the entire situation.
Aly Raisman recently came forward as one of the victims of USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's abuse, and since then she has been vocal on social media, speaking out against USAG's handling of the entire situation.
On January 9, Maggie Nichols added her name to the list of over 140 women who say they were abused by Nassar. Following the release of Nichols' statement, multiple news outlets interviewed her parents, who said that USAG pressured them to keep the matter quiet.
In response, USAG released a statement denying any cover-up and claiming that they kept the issue quiet while the FBI was investigating.
"Contrary to reported accusations, USA Gymnastics never attempted to hide Nassar’s misconduct," USAG wrote in a statement. "USA Gymnastics kept the matter confidential because of the FBI’s directive not to interfere with the investigation."
Raisman immediately called out USA Gym for their "hurtful" statements.
.@USAGym STOP VICTIM SHAMING. Your statements are hurtful. If you did not believe that I & others were abused than why pressure & manipulate us? WE WERE MOLESTED BY A MONSTER U ENABLED 2 THRIVE FOR DECADES. You are 100% responsible. It was mandatory to get "treatment" by Nassar.
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) January 10, 2018
While Raisman was clearly angry, she was also motivated to seek the flaws in USA Gym's system and hold those guilty accountable.
We must investigate to figure out the many flaws in @USAGym system. We must understand how this happened to make sure it never occurs again. This problem is bigger than Penny and Nassar. The system has to change so that athletes are safe. Enablers need to be held accountable.
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) January 10, 2018
She called for an investigation, using the hashtag "WeNeedAnswers."
If athlete safety is the number 1 priority for @TeamUSA & @USAGym , why don’t they want to know all the factors that contributed to the worst case of sexual abuse in the history of sports? #INVESTIGATE #WeNeedAnswers
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) January 10, 2018
This is not the first time Raisman has been outspoke on this issue.
.@USAGym @TeamUSA you have so many children, athletes, families, fans, etc relying on you. You have let SO many down.
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) December 13, 2017
And this week wasn't the first time she called USA Gym's statements "hurtful" and called for an investigation into the flaws in the system.
I wish @USAGym understood how painful & hurtful it is that they just don't seem to care. I am so devastated and disappointed in how they've handled this.
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) December 8, 2017
We must look at the organizations that protected Nassar; @USAGym @TeamUSA @michiganstateu Until we understand the flaws in their systems, we can't be sure something like this won’t happen again. This is bigger than Larry. Those who looked other way need to be held accountable 2
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) December 7, 2017
To all the survivors out there.... Your story matters..... I hope each and every single one of you out there know that.... I hope you know you deserve to feel heard & deserve to be safe. I SUPPORT YOU.
— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) November 30, 2017