The way it should be.
As we reported, McKayla Maroney filed a lawsuit in December 2017 against USA Gymnastics for unlawfully making her sign a non-disclosure agreement as part of a financial settlement she received to pay for psychological treatment after being sexually abused by the team’s doctor Larry Nassar for years.
After reports came out yesterday saying the Olympian could potentially face a $100K fine for violating the NDA by speaking at Nassar’s sentencing hearing, celebs like Chrissy Teigen, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, and Parks and Recreation creator Mike Schur pledged to pay the possible penalty in its entirety.
Now, USA Gymnastics is saying Maroney would not be penalized should she decide to give her victim impact statement in court.
Related: Simone Biles Says She Was Also Sexually Abused By Larry Nassar!
According to USA Today Sports, the statement reads:
“USA Gymnastics has not sought and will not seek any money from McKayla Maroney for her brave statements made in describing her victimization and abuse by Larry Nassar, nor for any victim impact statements she wants to make to Larry Nassar at this hearing or at any subsequent hearings related to his sentencing.”
The organization adds:
“This has been her right and USA Gymnastics encourages McKayla and anyone who has been abused to speak out. USA Gymnastics remains focused on our highest priority ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ the safety, health and well-being of our athletes and creating a culture that empowers and supports them.”
Maybe they should have been dedicated to “empowering and supporting” the athletes before 150 women — and those are just the ones to have come forward — got abused.
Nassar will be sentenced this week in Michigan federal court on seven counts of criminal sexual assault, which he plead guilty to in November 2016. 88 women are expected to give victim impact statements.
We’ll keep you posted.
[Image via FayesVision/WENN.]
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