Leslie Jones has taken to Twitter in the hopes of changing the sentiment of the social media conversation surrounding Gabby Douglas.
The American gymnast has been hit with non-stop criticism during her time at the Rio Games.
She’s widely been accused of being unpatriotic and for being bitter of her fellow teammates’ gold and silver wins (Simone Biles and Aly Raiseman, specifically).
READ MORE: ‘Ghostbusters’ star Leslie Jones highlights rampant racist abuse on Twitter
Douglas was even given the nickname “Crabby Gabby,” and has been attacked over her hair and her lack of smiling on camera.
The 20-year-old ended up taking to Twitter to apologize, “if she offended anyone,” in an attempt to hush the negative conversation.
Her mother also spoke out about the amount of online bullying her daughter has received.
“You go from people’s adoration to being the brunt of criticism and hatred,” Douglas’s mom, Natalie Hawkins, told CNN. “It is hard, because her nature is so giving and so kind… it was harsh to boil down your patriotism to one act. That doesn’t determine how honorable you are, or how happy you are to compete for your country. ”
READ MORE: Leslie Jones, ‘Ghostbuster’ star, ‘not a fit’ for Hollywood designers
The negative scenario is something Jones is familiar with.
The Saturday Night Live comedian turned Olympics NBC commentator temporarily quit Twitter after experiencing social media abuse, which prompted Paul Feig, the director of the Ghostbusters reboot, to create the hashtag #LoveForLeslieJ.
The positive messages Jones received as a result ultimately led to her rejoining the social network. It’s also why the comedian is paying it forward to Douglas.
“Yo I just heard Gabby getting attacked on her page show her the love you showed me #LOVE4GABBYUSA send to @gabrielledoug,” Jones tweeted to her 543,000 followers.
READ MORE: Justin Bieber deletes Instagram account, internet goes wild
Celebrities and fans have now begun using the hashtag to support Douglas, too. The love even prompted the gymnast to thank the actress for her help.
READ MORE: Shemar Moore addresses ‘Criminal Minds’ drama, Thomas Gibson hires lawyers
Douglas won a team gold medal in Rio and placed seventh in the uneven bars on Sunday.
Comments