Gabby Douglas Apologizes for U.S. National Anthem Controversy

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Gabby Douglas apologizes to her country and fans after offending people by not crossing her heart during the singing of the U.S. National Anthem.

Amber McKynzie Aug, 10, 2016

Gabby Douglas just can’t get a break. Monday night, Olympic enthusiasts attacked the Flying Squirrel for her hair’s “unkept” appearance – similar to the way they criticized her looks in the 2012 Olympic Games – after she lost her chance to advance to the all-around finals. Today, Internet trolls are throwing Gabby the side eye for not placing her hand over her heart during the singing of U.S. National Anthem last night.

Ledisi Pens Sweet Message to Gabby Douglas Amid Hair Criticism

According to TMZ, Douglas stood at the podium alongside her teammates – Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian – after taking home the gold in the team All-Around. The problem? Gabby was the only one standing without her heart covered during her country’s anthem, a practice that’s been executed practically since the beginning of time.

The 20-year-old gymnast immediately felt the heat from fans and Internet goblins with nothing better to do with their time than pick her life apart, and turned to Twitter to publicly apologize.

WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news

“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,” Douglas said. “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.”