Aly Raisman Speaks out Against Victim Blaming

She will not be tolerating people who claim that a gymnast’s leotard will lead to sexual assault.

“By saying clothing is part of the issue, u are victim blaming/implying survivors should feel it’s their fault,” Raisman wrote in a tweet on Sunday.

I was recently asked if gymnasts should continue wearing leotards. Leotards r not the problem. The problem is the many pedophiles out there & the adults who enable them. By saying clothing is part of the issue, u are victim shaming/implying survivors should feel it’s their fault.

— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) March 25, 2018

The Olympic gymnast also spoke out against victim blaming in this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. In it, she posed nude with the words, “Women do not have to be modest to be respected,” written on her.

Women do not have to be modest to be respected– Live for you! Everyone should feel comfortable expressing themselves however makes them happy. Women can be intelligent, fierce, sexy, powerful, strong, advocate for change while wearing what makes them feel best. The time where women are taught to be ashamed of their bodies is OVER. The female body is beautiful and we should all be proud of who we are, inside and out. Thank you so much @si_swimsuit @mj_day @darciebaum @ja_neyney @taylorbphoto & the rest of the team.

A post shared by Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman) on Feb 13, 2018 at 9:18am PST

Raisman has also filed a lawsuit against the United States Olympic Committee, alleging that they knew about the abuse while it was happening.

“I refuse to wait any longer for these organizations to do the right thing. It is my hope that the legal process will hold them accountable and enable the change that is so desperately needed,” Raisman said.