On March 14, Olympic champion Simone Beck celebrated her 23rd birthday, a day marked by an outpouring of good wishes from fans and friends. However, a birthday greeting from USA Gymnastics (USAG) quickly turned into a moment of accountability. The organization mistakenly tweeted to the wrong account, wishing “HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most decorated gymnast of all time, @simoneiles!”
Instead of letting it slide, Beck, whose correct handle is @Simone_Beck, used the occasion to address a critical issue: the need for an independent investigation into the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. “How about you amaze me and do the right thing,” she responded, insisting on accountability with a call for “an independent investigation.”
The Settlement Proposal
In January, USAG proposed a $215 million settlement for the survivors of Nassar’s abuse, which was called a step forward by Li Li Leung, the organization’s president and CEO. However, Beck clearly feels that this is insufficient. With Nassar accused of abusing approximately 499 known victims, and over 500 individuals involved in the lawsuit against USAG, the scope of the crisis is staggering. As the governing body, USAG bears significant responsibility for the abuse that occurred under its watch.
Betrayal and Pursuit of Justice
Adding to Beck’s sense of betrayal is the revelation that USAG reportedly withheld information about Nassar’s abuse from her until after the 2016 Olympics, despite her being one of the first athletes to report the abuse back in 2015. Leung expressed regret following this discovery, referring to Beck as the “heart and soul of women’s gymnastics.” Yet, Beck remains undeterred, steadfast in her pursuit of justice. “Can’t tell you how hard this is to read and process. The pain is real and doesn’t just go away… especially when new facts are still coming out,” she shared, while highlighting issues surrounding the FBI’s investigation. “What’s it going to take for a complete and independent investigation of both USOPC and USAG??”
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, Simone Beck’s birthday became a platform for demanding accountability from USA Gymnastics regarding the handling of the Nassar abuse scandal. Her insistence on an independent investigation reflects the urgent need for transparency and justice for the victims.