American model Chrissy Teigen took the fight against sexual abuse one step further when she took matters into her own hands and offered to pay Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney's potential $100 thousand fine should the athlete choose to speak up on the sexual allegations against USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
Maroney was one of over 140 victims of sexual abuse at the hands of Nassar, and 88 of those victims are expected to give their statements in court. Due to a confidentiality agreement that was part of a $1.25 million settlement she and the U.S. Olympic team made in 2016, Maroney is unable to testify against the doctor during his sentence hearing.
Teigen, upon learning of the issue and Maroney's predicament, took to twitter to provide assistance to the 22-year-old and all of Nassar's victims by offering to pay for the $100 thousand fine.
"The entire principle of this should be fought - an NDA to stay quiet about this serial monster with over 140 accusers, but I would be absolutely honored to pay this fine for you, McKayla," Teigen said in her tweet.
The latest victim of Nassar who emerged was Maroney's fellow team USA member Simone Biles. She and Maroney, along with three other members, were collectively known as the "Fierce Five," who competed and won the gold in the 2012 Olympics. Two of the groups other three members, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas, also revealed that they suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Nassar.
Teigen's generous offer inspired other famous personalities to chip in so that Maroney's fine can be covered. "Parks and Recreation" star Michael Schur replied to Teigen's tweet, saying that he and Teigen split the amount in half. "Bad Moms" and "Frozen" star Kristen Bell also joined in, suggesting that each of them can pay a third of the amount.
The appearance of all the victims just goes to show that people cannot simply do what they want and get away with it, regardless of one's profession. Another one of his victims, Kyle Stephens, said that everything that is happening to Nassar right now is the result of all his past transgressions.
"Little girls don't stay little forever. They grow into strong women that return to destroy your world." She said.
