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​Chrissy Teigen Offers To Pay McKayla Maroney's $100k NDA Fine

​Chrissy Teigen Offers To Pay McKayla Maroney's $100k NDA Fine

It was during the worldwide #MeToo campaign that the two-time world champion vaulter spoke out against USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Over 140 women have come forward to say that they have been abused by USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, with 88 expected to give victim impact statements in court this week.

He has also already been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for child pornography crimes.

PA

But former Olympian McKayla Maroney - another woman who has accused Nassar of abuse - may not be one of those able to give a statement, after settling a lawsuit against USA Gymnastics in 2016. As part of the settlement, she is unable to publicly discuss Nassar, meaning that if she gives a victim impact statement, she could face a fine of up to $100,000 (£72,000).

However, Chrissy Teigan has now stepped forward with a solution.

"The entire principle of this should be fought," she wrote on Twitter. "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."

And it wasn't long before others joined in with similar proposals - actress Kristen Bell offered to split the fine with Teigan and Parks and Recreation creator Mike Schur.

Susan Sarandon also joined in, writing: "I'll ¼ it with you guys."



It was during the worldwide #MeToo campaign that the two-time world champion vaulter spoke out.

"Dr. Nassar told me that I was receiving 'medically necessary treatment that he had been performing on patients for over 30 years'," Maroney said of her abuse in a social media post.

"It seemed whenever and wherever this man could find the chance, I was 'treated'. It happened in London before my team and I won the gold medal, and it happened before I won my silver."

USA Gymnastics has said in a statement that the settlement terms were not drawn up by their lawyers but rather by Maroney's attorney at the time, Gloria Allred. But Maroney's current attorney, John Manley, has said she had 'no choice'.

PA

"I want people to understand that this kid had no choice. She couldn't function. She couldn't work," Manly said.

"It takes tremendous courage to publicly disclose it, knowing that any day there could be a process server at her door."

The US Olympic Committee has said it was not involved in the settlement.

"We are heartbroken that this abuse occurred, proud of the brave victims that have come forward and grateful that our criminal justice system has ensured that Nassar will never be able to harm another young woman," the USOC said in a statement.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Chrissy Teigen, US News