USA Gymnastics will not be seeking any money from Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast McKayla Maroney if she speaks about her abuse by longtime doctor Larry Nassar.
It issued a statement commending her bravery, and said that it encouraged McKayla and “anyone who has been abused” to speak out.
Yesterday it was widely reported that Maroney was facing a $100,000 fine if she spoke about the abuse, as per a non-disclosure agreement she signed in 2016.
She said at the time that she signed the agreement because she was desperately in need of the $1.25 million the organisation was offering her due to her deteriorating mental health as a result of the abuse.
USA Gymnastics has come under fire for not just making Maroney sign an NDA in the first place, but has also been accused of ignoring early warnings about Nassar and for botching the investigation.
Its full statement reads:
USA Gymnastics has not sought and will not seek any money from McKayla Maroney for her brave statements made in describing her victimisation 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. 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 – the safety, health and well-being of our athletes and creating a culture that empowers and supports them.
Yesterday, Chrissy Teigen offered to front up the money if Maroney decided to speak, an offer that was backed by Michael Shur.
The entire principle of this should be fought – an NDA to stay quiet about this serial monster with over 140 accusers, but I would be absolutely honored to pay this fine for you, McKayla. pic.twitter.com/lsBEgEqZpD
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 16, 2018
I’ll split it with you. https://t.co/yp00LwJsNQ
— Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) January 16, 2018
Around 101 victims are now expected to read victim impact statements at Nassar’s sentencing this week; he has been accused by over 140 women of sexual abuse.
‘Little girls don’t stay little forever. They grow into strong women that return to destroy your world.’
Kyle Stephens confronts former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar at his sentencing [WARNING: Graphic] pic.twitter.com/MGpepEVYER
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 16, 2018
The sentencing is expected to run until the end of the week.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, please call the National Child Abuse Helpline on 1800 99 10 99 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
