Gabby Douglas already heard criticism for being the only member of the US women’s gymnastics team not to hold her hand over her heart during the playing of the national anthem after the team won the gold medal on Tuesday. Now she’s dealing with a similar line of criticism about her comportment.
Many on social media were rubbed the wrong way by Douglas’ seeming lack of enthusiasm for her teammates competing in the all-around competition at the Rio Olympics on Thursday.
Observers noted that after Simone Biles’ score was announced — giving her the gold medal — Team USA members Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocien sprung forward to cheer, while Douglas remained seated, though she did clap:
Liked #GabbyDouglas until tonight. Why the attitude. U had ur moment. Don't be a hater. Not classy. Support ur team pic.twitter.com/7j1AOk8WeN
— Liane A. (@LTA347) August 12, 2016
#GabbyDouglas Always So Salty. Can't Even Get Up To Applaud Her Teammate #BadSportsmanship pic.twitter.com/Ts98dCl60n
— Janet (@Mijaro) August 12, 2016
People talked about Douglas coming off as “salty” with her attitude.
Why is Gabby Douglas so salty pic.twitter.com/bqYuNsPvh5
— Reporter Jones (@_TheYoungDrock) August 12, 2016
Was this just one bad clip? Had the cameras shown more footage, would we have seen more enthusiasm and celebration out of Douglas? NBC should answer that question for us.
Between this clip and Douglas’ body language during the medal ceremony being bashed on Tuesday, it’s been a rough Olympics for Douglas’ public image.
What's wrong with this photo?? Gabby Douglas needs an attitude adjustment… pic.twitter.com/M6Z5Cl2k2n
— Jessie Phillips (@jessieflips) August 11, 2016
Douglas, who was questioned as a selection to the team in the first place after struggling during the trials, will have a chance to regain public favor when she competes in the uneven bars.
For now, it seems that #CrabbyGabby is Rio’s answer to McKayla Maroney not being impressed.
