Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas has dealt with criticism, racism and bullying since the beginning of her athletic career, and sadly, it seems as if not much has changed during the Rio Summer Games.
As a world-renowned gymnast who lead Team USA at the 2012 and also during this 2016 Games, you'd think the 20-year-old has earned her keep as one of America's most valued athletes. But many don't seem to be giving Douglas the respect she rightfully deserves.
Some Twitter users have decided to speak negatively about of gymnast's hair, asking why it's "still not combed," and suggesting that she "coulda got her hair done."
For black women, the subject of hair can be an extremely sensitive topic. And often when hair is in its natural state, it's subject to harsh scrutiny.
"She's had to deal with people criticizing her hair, or people accusing her of bleaching her skin," Natalie Hawkins, mother of Douglas recently told Reuters. "They said she had breast enhancements, they said she wasn't smiling enough, she's unpatriotic."
And to make things worse, Douglas has been bombarded throughout the Games with questions on how she feels about the online attacks, rather than her performance.
Gabby Douglas of the United States practices on the uneven bars during an artistic gymnastics training session on August 4, 2016 at the Arena Olimpica do Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
"I've been trying to stay off the internet because it is so much negativity," she told reporters on Sunday. "When they talk about my hair or me not putting my hand on my heart or me being salty in the stands and, you know, really criticizing me ... It doesn't feel good. For me, it was a little bit hurtful."
Douglas was referring to an instance last week when she put her hands in front of her instead of on her heart during the U.S. national anthem, and received serious flack online, with some calling it βunpatrioticβ and "disrespectful," Variety reported. The gymnast apologized for her mistake, saying she never meant any disrespect.
Some also suggested the Virginia native was jealous of her teammates, after she didn't stand up to clap for them on Friday.
Even though that clearly wasn't the case, according to her Twitter.
But despite what some naysayers spewed, many fans still seem to have the young star's back through it all.
And Ghostbusters actress, Leslie Jones, who has faced some unwarranted criticism herself recently, started the hashtag #LOVE4GABBYUSA on Monday to spread support and positivity for Douglas, and it seems to be taking Twitter by storm.
So haters, listen up. Gabby Douglas is a three-time Olympic gold medallist at age 20. She's going to shine whether you like it or not. So just give it a rest, seriously.
Also on HuffPost
