News

Simon Biles Claims Former Olympic Team Doctor Larry Nassar Sexually Abused Her

Simone Biles has joined the “Me too” chorus of women who have endured sexual harassment or assault.

Simone Biles sexual abuse allegation news

The 20-year-old four-time Olympic gold medalist is the fourth USA Gymnastics star to accuse former team doctor Larry Nassar of abuse.

“I too am one of the many survivors that was sexually abused by Larry Nassar,” Biles wrote in posts on Instagram and Twitter. “Please believe me when I say it was a lot harder to first speak those words out loud than it is now to put them on paper. There are many reasons that l have been reluctant to share my story, but I know now it is not my fault.”

Here is her full statement:

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Biles won five medals (four gold, one bronze) at the 2016 Games in Rio. She is training for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, but admits this has been “impossibly difficult.”

“It breaks my heart even more to think that as I work towards my dream of competing in Tokyo 2020, I will have to continually return to the same training facility where l was abused,” Biles wrote.

Biles ended her letter by asking for privacy during this time.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 16: Gold medalist Simone Biles of the United States celebrates on the podium at the medal ceremony for the Women’s Floor on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

With Mike Tomlin Joining NBC Football Night, What’s Next For The Steelers?

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will join the Football Night in America pregame…

2 days ago

After Billy Donovan Steps Down, What’s Next For The Chicago Bulls?

The Chicago Bulls and head coach Billy Donovan are going their separate ways after Donovan…

2 days ago

Deshaun Sanders & Shedeur Watson Shine In Celeveland Browns’ Offseason Minicamp

The Cleveland Browns held their first offseason minicamp on April 21. The most notable storyline…

2 days ago

Michael Beasley ‘Heartbroken’ His NBA Career Ended At 30

Former second overall pick in 2008, Michael Beasley, spoke to NFL Hall of Famer Shannon…

2 days ago

Ex-Commanders Linebacker Bobby Wagner Receives Honorary Doctorate From Alma Matter

All-star linebacker Bobby Wagner may have just opened up a new avenue for his future…

4 days ago

Street Car Icon Kyle Loftis Dies At 43, Cause Of Death Remains Undisclosed

Kyle Loftis, a streetcar media icon who founded 1320 video, died Wednesday at 43. "We…

4 days ago