Young Olympian, Gabby Douglas, received some heavy backlash because of something she didn’t do while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance today. After #TeamUSA women’s gymnastics team snagged gold at this year’s #OlympicGames, Gabby Douglas and her four teammates lined up to recite the pledge … the only problem was, Gabby’s hands remained at her side.
For those who don’t know, normally the Pledge of Allegiance has always been recited with your hand being placed over your heart as a sign of patriotism and respect. Well, of course many fans were unhappy to see her doing just the opposite calling the gesture “un-Olympic.” The fact that Gabby is also a military kid may have added fuel to the fire.
Gabby Douglas just standing there and not placing her hand over her heart while our anthem played was UN-olympic. #respect #rio2016
— Dawn M. Wisdom (@Favreforever) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/trueblueaggie12/status/763132477359529985
As classy as Gabby is, she decided to address the trolls in a statement and explained that she didn’t mean to offend anyone.
“In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played,” she wrote. “I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I’m so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country!”
Roomies lets chat below, do you think Gabby was throwing shade or was it just a simple mistake?
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Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/gabby-douglas-draws-ire-not-pledging-allegiance-flag-article-1.2744804
