Former Olympic gymnasts testify before Congress about sex-abuse scandal

[@freiagalacar5786]

I remember watching her on TV when I was little. I'm so glad she was brave enough to speak up and she encouraged all those other women to share their stories. It breaks my heart that children are exposed to that. It happens in Hollywood, too. It's like some people have no conscience.

[@lhart99]

I was in high school when those amazing young women won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics. It was an inspiring moment, and it still is. However, all the types of abuse they received makes me feel discussed to the point of being physically sick. The adults who were involved in the abuse, and those who covered it up, are beyond sick in the head. I hope those coaches get what's coming to them.

[@VideoGamesAndTheWorld]

He was recently stabbed multiple times in prison. And he's still alive. Hope he survives so that it can happen again. I have no sympathy for that demon. The Karolyis are responsible as well, and it's very baffling how they're not in prison.

[@jenicdarling9690]

*WHY is there a statue of limitation on sexual ABUSE?* It's not just sexual but physically & mentally that can effect u for the rest of ur life! So what if it was long ago & not much evidence left? *A CRIME IS A CRIME!* Like any other crime like murders or robbing something from long ago and etc. And not only is it *HARD* to come forward but some especially for a child who most may not even actually know that they were abused till later on cause "they were my friend", or in this case *"But he was my Doctor".*

[@veg1run]

You ask, why is their a statute of limitations ? Because we Americans are always too busy to care, too distracted to acknowledge etc....More citizens need to demand from our politicians that laws need to be changed, laws need to be created to protect those who are incapable of protecting themselves.

[@carmenwilley8858]

There is no longer a statue of limitation.

[@borninthewrongtime6449]

Jenic Darling..There is No longer a Statue of Limatation on Sexual assault. That's why Harvey Weinstein & and many Hollywood actors and the topic of this thread...Larry Nassar. They all have many women coming forward and being counted.

[@ih8utbe]

I was SA but not by a coach and I'm male and I understand the anger. But in my case I'm left with serious issues regarding it. I put one man in prison for it for 10 years then later the man got released, went to Florida and got caught again but went for life! He is deceased now. He wasn't my perpetrator just an ex friend who was a sex offender after knowing what I found out. We had a fight and I reported him. He was investigated and jailed. My bro in law SA me when I was a pre teen.Too long a story but he was an awful person and what he did to my nephew was awful. Now my ex bro in law is deceased. Now I am free but not totally as I have nightmares about those days sometimes. I never continued the cycle of abuse as most of the time the abused became abusers. I have been around children and I never thought about harming them because what happened to me and many others is something we can control. If I ever see a child abused in any manner I will call the authorities . (As much as I'd like to harm the abuser, it's not going to help as I'd end up jailed for that.) To me sexual abuse, sexual assault is something we must deal with and stop. Speaking out, confronting an abuser (definitely getting legal assistance in doing that). I just despise all forms of abuse. USAG had not done a good job with dealing with abusive coaches,etc.

[@leahkeana5520]

Many people don't understand the abuse that goes on inside this ranch. Jenic Darling The crazy part about this ranch is how secretive it is rarely videos are allowed. Gymnasts are even watched by coaches during meals so many go without. These gymnasts are away from their parents and few parents are informed on these details. Gymnasts think of these people as gods and are willing to follow their every command as it puts them that much closer to their dreams. Many coaches here are very abusive but they are from countries such as Russia and Romania where the way they are treating these girls is kind compared to their own treatment.

[@lilgiggler35]

I believe them. Sadly this has probably happened more than is known because many are still afraid to talk about it. Jus a few years ago, Olga Korbut said in an interview that her coach forced her to have sex with him just a few days before the 1972 Olympics. He has denied it of course. She indicated that it happened to other gymnasts that it was done to toughen the girls up because the hormones released from having sex and somehow helps increase their endurance and other aspects of their performance.

[@LynnseyCTheReviewQueen]

I had saw that interview from Olga Korbut saying that her coach forced her and his denial of it. I'm curious how far this shit extends outside the U.S. I wouldn't be surprised if there was abuse with the Soviet system, but I'm inquisitive to see if this abuse is mirriored in other gymnastics programs around the world.

[@pnd-uc8bt]

@@LynnseyCTheReviewQueensoviets forced Elena mukihina to perform literally to her death so it’s not far fetched they’d be that evil

[@ManMonkey600]

What I find crazy is how long this abuse went on for and it really only finally came to an end due to hardnosed reporters putting in the time on the story. If those reporters from Indianapolis didn't put in the time on this it probably would still be going on to this day. Same with the whole Sandusky abuse at Penn State. I know people love to hate the media nowadays but they still can do good things.

[@bethm5791]

Lord. A decade worth of girls that wouldn’t have had to be abused if they would have listened ....

[@cherylstade3614]

Bela was never Simone's coach. He doesn't deserve that credit. Simone did attend the Karolyi Ranch for periods under Marta's tutorship, like all members of USA gymnastics, but by then Bela was retired. Simone's main coach, Aimee Boorman, dealt with Simone's fears, struggles and concerns with an approach that was pretty much the opposite of the Karolyi's. Having said that I don't think the Karolyis are bad people. They were clearly extraordinarily successful and many former gymnasts highly praise them. Certainly the Karolyis did not intend to abuse athletes as Nasser did. Bela and Marta Karolyi came from old school Romania and brought an authoritarian style with them.

[@jojox9791]

Cheryl Stade these girls also have their "personal" coaches there with them, who, in my opinion, is who the parents are trusting to watch over them. They fly, drive, train, whatever with them and are there at all times. So Nassar was just "trusted"!!!!! Smh

[@jojox9791]

Thunderbolt this sport is not sick It's a beautiful sport The karolyis did not moledt children! They are guilty of creating a very strict environment wanna blame someone? LARRY NASSAR, JOHN GEDDERT AND MICHIGAN STATE!! !! But even these athlete have sworn not to allow Nassar or anyone else to ruin their love of this sport!!

[@MZ_83]

Thunderbolt You're against people who are authoritarian but want to "deport" the Karoliys? You know, racism isn't ok either. And this is the worst kind: supposedly "justified" racism. Em... it's never justified. You could've said that the Karoliys should be held accountable for creating this environment but no, you have to say they should be deported. Ugh.

[@jojox9791]

Thunderbolt wow, Nadia had been very supportive of these girls why bring her into it? Because she's Romanian? Well, guess what? You can't deport American citizens, which they are now! Yes their methods we're harsh and they are being dealt with, but they are not child molesters, however, you, clearly are racist

[@jojox9791]

Thunderbolt lmfao yeah, that's how you defend these poor kids, wish it on someone else you are a MORON ! I'm not denying their methods were harsh, in fact I clearly said the same.. . BUT, they are not child molesters why aren't you so upset with Michigan State? They "did' know, and have known since " 1997"!! !! ! You need therapy there kiddo therapy

[@adelaidemarie]

Just like Cory Feldman, he told years ago

[@sherivandenbrink5326]

Your parents should have been with you on every exam-I am an RN-This is the parents fault! Such BS!

[@kimwaddell4218]

These stories about Larry Nassar makes me sick as a woman

[@ezrc9294]

very strange - not one of them or the families questioned what this man doing this, now they all join forces to put in him in prison forever.

[@lg403]

Why do we treat little kids like this… 💔

[@Dsc870]

A lot of other romanian gymnasts testify these things… so all these abuses were true.

[@dalalas6258]

The Karolis purposefully put that fear into kids while they're training so they get used to it in competitions. In gymnastics nerves are needed to be controlled or you won't succeed. Unfortunately it's a large factor to why they win gold. That Nassar guy is disgusting and he deserves to go to jail but I don't think the Karolis should be blamed cause they're kind people outside of the gym, they're just strict so that the gymnasts can succeed.

[@Vesnicie]

Dalalas 6 Yeah I feel like the problem with the Károlyis is an old world meets new world clash. I just hope they had no prior knowledge of the doctor's doings before it was brought to light. I can appreciate that the atmosphere of training at an elite level is unpleasant. However, even coming from a serious ballet background with just a fraction of that much pressure, I can attest it absolutely is ingrained in the training, in the culture of some of these disciplines. I agree that you have to be mentally tough and it's hard to do that "nicely".

[@marinaaleixo677]

Oh, please! Do you think that in NINETEEN YEARS working alongside Dr. Nassar the Karolyis had never witnessed anything or noticed any signs of strange behaviour? OF COURSE THEY DID!!! But investigating it would be too much trouble and they were simply more concerned about gold medals. Effectively, they were custodians of those minors when they were away from home and it should have been their responsibility to look out for those gymnasts and ensure they were safe. HOW IN THE WORLD could Dr. Nassar perform an (alleged) intra-vaginal medical treatment without a chaperone being appointed to be in the room? The Karolyis must be held responsible. This is called common sense.

[@jojox9791]

I agree. Yes the karolyis were tough on their gymnasts, but that was the Romanian way. They came here and the culture differences were weaned. The karolyis in NO way aided, turned a blind eye, or had knowledge of what Nassar was doing. DOMINIQUE IS COMBINING THE TWO AND THEY ARE NOT RELATED

[@MC-oj4en]

Jhilton 70 Yes they are. Nassar used the cruel way that the karolyis treated the girls to groom them. He would sneak them food and snacks, he played the "nice guy." John Getterd was Jordyn Wieber's coach and Aly is now saying that he knew. The girls would talk about the abuse to each other bc that is what little girls do. They gossip and are talkative. She recalls talking about it in front of Getterd and he did nothing. He is now being investigated. We will see what happens.

[@jojox9791]

Amanda Hernandez geddert is guilty of "KNOWING" MSU is guilty of "knowing", but the karolyis didn't know, which is why they aren't facing " Criminal negligence aiding and abetting sexual assault" They WILL face charges, but not of a sexual nature. Why is that si hats to understand, without saying I sympathize with the karolyis? It's simply ther law MSU was WELL AWARE SINCE1997, YET NEVER TOLD THE CAROLYN S OR USAG OR USOG! IT WOULD HAVE STOPPED LONG AGO IF THEY HAD what these girls want is explanations! The culture and atmosphere of fear at the ranch inhibitor the forks from speaking out that is not the same as"sexual assault" Geddert, MSU, Nassar.. .. That is straight up SEXUAL ASSAULT AND/OR NOT REPORTING, KNOWING.. . " THEY WILL ALL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR PARTS, ACTIONS, OR LACK THEREOF, SOME ON LARGER SCALES THAN OTHERS

[@amandagrace31]

Who is watching this after Nassar

[@chushiben]

Unfortunately I don't think any coaches would testify it's just like this in the world of sports

[@SOS-ct9mv]

Simone never claims bella is her coach only for the year before the olympics.

[@karenhartnell5146]

Dominique was such a cute little thing. The epitome if innocence at that age. So glad she is helping children everywhere now ❤

[@kittysumner]

So sad 😭

[@ih8utbe]

I cannot understand why the gymnastics system ignored all these complaints for years. If someone put their hand on me on my genitals and/or touched me in an inappropriate way, the lights would be out for the person who touched me. I would walk out the door and be loud about the incident. The Karolyis, Qi Han, Al Fong, Bill and Donna Strauss and many other abusive coaches, trainers, doctors, etc need to quit and no longer be in the gym community. Maybe we need background checks on anyone employed in a gymnastics business.

[@jessicasnaplesfl7474]

Sounds like ABBY LEE MILLER training her children on the "DANCE MOMS" TV show. She "makes winners"! "2nd place is the first to lose"!

[@jojox9791]

Jessica S, NAPLES FL uhm.. . Really? Comparing Abby Lee to a pedophile? Cmon

[@mvo09]

Dance moms doesn't even get close to Olympic Gymnastics... There is much more conditioning, injuries, technique and pressure...

[@kimwaddell4577]

Would of never guessed anything like that was going on until the victims impact statements were being read on KZbin

[@istvankm]

I remember watching her when I was around 9 yrs old. Glad she is still kicking ass.

[@nomadicheadspace5334]

How could the adults not know smh

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

Some turned their heads, others just weren't there.

[@teresakoslosky3053]

I am glad they r finally listening!😢

[@kinglinus3708]

No coaches were not responsible for sex abuse it was the Dr.

[@brianekay4149]

You don’t know that, it’s because many athletes don’t report it because they’re scared of damaging their reputation.

[@joanhoffmann871]

No but they’re responsible for the abusive atmosphere that allowed the abuse. Nasser took advantage of their fear culture.

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

And of course the coaches knew about it. Wake up.

[@quiversender7177]

The exact same thing happens in troubled teen centers

[@johntravolto4058]

We all had a crush on Dominick in 1996 when we were like 11 lol. But I had no clue about what those poor girls went through. I mean it's always something glad to hear them responding the older and wiser you get the more you understand how fuxked your past was. Good for them. My daughter is 6, God forbid anything like this would ever happen to her that dude ain't going to jail.....

[@dazem8]

I was 10 while watching the 96 olympics and I loved Dominique! I had her posters on my wall haha. it's true that she was adored by a lot of people and inspired many.

[@michaelfox4262]

I tried to write to her from Ireland 😂😂 when I was 12 in 96

[@brandilambert1638]

The split in the back round that one of the girls is doing looks painful 😟 3:05

[@nobhill1991]

They scampered back to Romania! Because that's where demons come from! Sorry Romania, but you don't have a good track record......

[@SampsonSchrager]

Dominique's son looks exactly like her1 I hope he does gymnastics

[@Marthasue2020]

Powerful

[@logicandreason8090]

Questionable cult ture

[@Jessicathi]

If your a gymnast moceanu's position isn't really something new or something surprising. We are all used to sucking in our feelings and getting pushed to our limits and feeling like we are going to break. It's not like we are traumatized though we know gymnastics is a hard sport and demands so much from you plus, now the karolis are known for their effective yet strenuous ways to have team USA be such in a good position for gymnastics. The two other ladies think feel so bad for them their problem against the court is the one that should be focused on since an adult assaulting kids is horrible.

[@Jessicathi]

Just my opinion though

[@Cmc995]

She was pushed to train through a broken leg, they also called her dad to yell at her, kind of traumatizing. You should read/listen to her book.

[@quiversender7177]

I think until.they bust the ring masters . Justice won't be done

[@aubrieellinger9910]

I want to the karoliys ranch in 2015 they are very strict but they care a lot about there gymnast

[@jojox9791]

Aubrie Ellinger I've been trying to say this above (maybe you can help me out), I'm being accused of siding with child molesters yes they were strict, but they would never ever have allowed these sexual assaults to take place had they known they just trusted the wrong person too many trusted the wrong perron

[@jennifersmith314]

@@jojox9791 YES!!!

[@jojox9791]

@@jennifersmith314 Bella said in his interview he would have "smashed his face in"! Tough? Yes they were. Unfair? Maybe. But allowing children to be molested? NOPE! The children didnt know. The adults..parents and coaches in the rooms 2 feet away didnt know. So I dont buy it

[@jennifersmith314]

@@jojox9791 I agree. Everyone trusted Larry. Except those he molested and Steve Penny, etc that were warned/told. I am not taking anything away from the victims but this isn't Dominique's fight. Like, go sit down.

[@WickedlyMe328]

@@jennifersmith314 defending enablers shows you are part of the issue. The Karolyi’s were abusive toward the Olympians. You can attend the ranch and be treated like a saint, because you weren’t one of their gymnasts

[@BibhutiSaha-h4b]

Ur excellency i m ur childhood friend...u forgot me but but i never forget u ..ever n ever ma'am 🎉🎉😢😢

[@fwrinkledsoles]

You people better wake up and understand who are your emeries in all area of life in this world. By asking yourself who are these people mostly involved in all of these sex scandals.

[@quiversender7177]

I dint know anyone who didn't have a crush on that team

[@evilpandakillabzonattkoccu4879]

I don't distrust any of them but the first gymnast. if I remember correctly, she also divorced her parents over a money issue and has had nothing but issues following her...which has always seemed to me like an attention grab on her part.

[@indysk8r32]

KandaPanda no, unfortunately money was only one of the reasons why Dominique "divorced" her parents. But she and her parents reconciled years later.

[@evilpandakillabzonattkoccu4879]

indysk8r32 OK, thank you! I appreciate the clarification!

[@Nostalgic90s765]

Unfortunately, with her Dad hiring a hitman to kill her coach at the time (apparently this actually did happen or at least got up to where the person was going to be paid for their services); I would say the divorce from her parents was necessary; not to mention the fact that they did also squander all the money she made.

[@phylliscooley9528]

KandaPanda Did you know that her parents gave away their first child because she was born without legs and then never told anyone? They are actually despicable people.

[@lexiw20]

her father was abusive

[@connormccool9310]

Jamie looks very different

[@karenmarie9327]

Still beautiful though. She seems to be seriously struggling with having to talk about this to the public. I don't blame her a bit.

[@Vesnicie]

Connor McCool not to make light of this video, but I do find it kind of funny how ex gymnasts invariably look like small tanks.

[@lifesgood7235]

Coach Bella Corolla ...suprised nothing has come out about him.

[@jennifersmith314]

Moceanu has ZERO to do with this. You can't compare apples to oranges. And she seems to forget when her own Romanian father hired a hitman to kill her coach following 1996, when the Karolyi's retired from personal coaching.

[@kevindavis296]

😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲😲

[@madirae01]

They had a choice to leave .

[@14spokenwords]

You want gold medals though?

[@nomadicheadspace5334]

I had a huge crush 😻 on her in 7th grade

[@eastside313yahdig.2]

“Capital hill”. No Black issue never made capital hill lol

[@steveedward7572]

This case is weird. Nobody knew nothing for so long.

[@kevindavis296]

liar, liar, liar!

[@bunnie12345]

stfu

[@FML_85]

"So you showed up in your shorts and no underwear...so what happened next?" Um....wtf? Way to victim blame.

[@jalisky]

Dominique looks like a completely different person now from when she was 14. No resemblance at all

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

I recognized her. She just looks grownup and strong.

[@chuckie102883]

Ummmmm the Karoly’s did NOT coach Simone Biles! Who approved this story lol

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

Yes, they did. Simone has talked about how she was starving while training at their facility in Texas. Look it up.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Hi. Isn't that just discipline when you're late you don't get in the gym so you won't be late again? Thank you. God bless, Proverbs 31

[@neophyteruss]

SevenDeMagnus - Disciple is necessary yes, but I feel the line is drawn where disciple bleeds into pure intent to harm. I feel that as a species abuse and a warlike mindset is the context in which we frame ‘discipline,’ and as we shift out of that template (due to needing it less), we can take a step back and see the long term effects such treatment has on a developing brain, both the good and the horrid. I believe disciple can exist outside of the context of a fear-driven environment, and that it can be instilled without harm or humiliation. There’s too much of this weird undercurrent in society that enjoys hurting children. And, as below so above, situations like this arise. If that makes any sense. Something that’s been a standard for generations may not necessarily imply the standard is healthy in the long run. Thank you for your input, Bless you too

[@sailyndanielrodriguezjorge1670]

When she said “if you go late to an event” she means one of the equipment events like uneven bars or the vault ; every gymnast has an specific amount of time to execute their routine on an specific event if you start late for a second that can cause you losing points ; in practice if they would come for a second late the karolys will kick them out of the gym without even letting them practice or fixing their error thats what shes referring to

[@cerrussell]

@@sailyndanielrodriguezjorge1670 Thanks for explaining that. Like the person you replied to, I was somewhat baffled - although I gave the benefit of the doubt to Moceanu since I didn't think I could be understanding what she was really saying.

[@jukodebu]

I had so much back pain the doctors now dont want to help with medication so I asked for this procedure. No need for gloves

[@lopeloez6172]

money n attention motivates them

[@steveedward7572]

So if people are nice to you they are grooming you?

[@magdaroussoulieres3074]

Monceanu used to be prettier when younger

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

The only thing unattractive here is your pedo comment.

[@josephsmith1893]

Dr. Nassar? Where is he from? Sounds like a Muslim name. Put him in the same cell with Jared Fogle.

[@dsjtravels]

you do know that racist comments are illegal?

[@CruzJa007]

It’s very sad what these women went through, and had to endure. Not to be judgmental but none of them aged well. I hope they fully recover and get the mental, and emotional healing that they so deserve.

[@steveedward7572]

The Corolies were tuff. Gymnastics is a tuff sport. No pain no gain. Quit your wining. No way gymnastics is easy.

[@steveedward7572]

@@r.b.7633 alot of others gymnast used the Corolies over the years with no problems. This case blames everyone but themselves. Forget going out for the Navy Seals

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

Hey, jagoff, they starved the girls, pushed them to where stress fractures were common and they were still told to push and train despite the clear signs of malnourishment and over training, and the MD raped and molested these girls. Wtf is wrong with you?? GET THERAPY YOU POS.

[@madeleinegrayson8372]

​@@steveedward7572you're a complete pos. Plenty of others have verified their abuse. A psychopath like you belongs in jail.

[@chushiben]

Frankly speaking it's not the karolis fault really this is required to maintain that high quality in USA gymnastic

[@mjamitche5245]

It isn't required. Gymnasts are self-driven. It takes a certain personality to become a good gymnast because of the focus required. It also develops in kids who may not be inclined to be focused because the balance aspect requires you to use both sides of your brain at once. Coaches don't need to be mean. They should challenge you to do your best and they are coaching you-but being mean and abusive is not necessary. I know because I was a competitive gymnast in the top gym in my city. My team won the most medals when I was competing, and my gym had and still has a legacy within the city and region. Our coaches were kind and caring and got results. Gymnastics was fun and shaped the discipline I used to obtain my PhD. The methods the Karolyi's used are unnecessary.

[@mjamitche5245]

Besides, if you look at the Magnificent 7, yes there are 2 gymnasts trained by the Karolyi's. But, there are 5 other gymnasts from that Olympic winning team trained by normal coaches. 2 girls were trained by Mary Lee Tracy. It proves you don't need the Karolyi's alone to train an Olympic winning team. 4 other coaches were able to do just as well. They certainly turned out more normal adults. The reason the Karolyi's don't take credit for the Mag 7 is because they can't.

[@dsjtravels]

have you ever done any sports? specially competivily ? stress is very present when competitions come around and i remember i had a coach who didn't let us have fun like have frequent breaks or let us talk. it was serious all the time. good coaches know when their athletes look stressed out you can just see it from their face it doesn't take someone to say it word for word.

[@docmadhattan]

@@mjamitche5245 Congratulations on your success.

[@SonOfAGun1814]

moceanu has nothing to do with the situation as per usual, she just likes to be a part of any victim based drama. if it's not her parents fault, it's her coaches fault blah blah blah victim victim victim. find something constructive to do with your life. you were a very average gymnast, be good at something in life and stop being a professional victim

[@aarzusingh8868]

snofagun1814 fuck off bitch ass

[@ChristyCutie83]

snofagun1814 Average gymnast? Uhh she was in the Olympics you moron! There’s nothing average about that.

[@babymammoth34]

She's accomplished far more than you ever will, fool

[@SonOfAGun1814]

+foxgirl i know, she was the weak link of the team in 96 too :(. she was supposed to be the next karolyi star but just wasn't very good. :(

[@erikalee4641]

She was one of the best when she was in the Olympics, may I add she was the youngest to ever be in the Olympic team in 1996! That speaks volumes in itself!!