Li Li Leung, the USA Gymnastics president as well as the CEO has issued an apology on Wednesday following a television interview during which she described her interaction with the former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
In a clip that was posted on social media where Li Li Leung could be seen in an interview with the reporter of Today show said that she has also been seen by Larry Nassar during her career as a gymnast. She said that during that time she was 16 years old and was never abused by him. The major part of her not being abused was due to the public setting of their interaction.
Li Li Leung said to the host, “The reason for me not being abused by him was that at that time, my coach was by my side when he saw me. I was being seen by him in the public setting. So this is why I understand that what settings need to be like for ensuring the safety of our athletes.”
Her remarks spurred a huge uproar on social media as many victims have claimed that they were abused by Nassar while they were meeting him with their parents or some other people they trusted while being in the same room.
Li Li Leung, following this uproar apologized on social media, stating as follows,
“I understand how my comment seems insensitive to the survivors and their families, and I apologize,” she wrote. “My intent was not to diminish what they’ve been through. I should have clarified that my experience was completely different from theirs and it is wrong to suggest I could have a solution based on my experience alone. I cannot know all the necessary steps to take until I hear their stories, and hope they will have a dialogue with us regarding athlete safety and well-being going forward.”
Leung, before beings elected as the USA Gymnastics resident and CEO, was the vice president for global partnerships for the NBA. She is the fourth CEO of the USAG in the span of 23 months.
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