Gabby Douglas Hit With Twitter Grumbles Over National Anthem Stance

Gabby Douglas was criticized by some for not putting her hand over heart at the Rio Olympic Games during the playing of the American national anthem on Tuesday night.

Variety reported that Douglas won a gold medal Tuesday along with Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman in the women's team all-around competition. But when the team took to the medal stand, all put their hand over their heart except for Douglas.

The non-gesture sparked the ire of some online.

What's wrong with this picture? #GabbyDouglas #NationalAnthem pic.twitter.com/zXZjAzPKG2

— Dan Gabriel (@danpgabriel) August 10, 2016

Gabby Douglas refused to place her hand over her heart during the medal ceremony. Straight disrespect! #gabbydouglas #TeamUSAgymnastics

— Michael Clay (@michaelclayatc) August 9, 2016

Hey Gabby Douglas. When has anyone ever heard the national anthem and not put their hand over their heart. Have some respect.

— Kaylan Taylor (@luvkaylanxoxo) August 10, 2016

According to BuzzFeed, Douglas apologized with a Twitter message of her own, and fans also began posting tweets of support for the gymnast, who also won gymnast gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics.

#GoUSA❗️ #TeamUSA❗️ #FinalFive❗️ 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vzhFZxYOWb

— Gabrielle Douglas (@gabrielledoug) August 10, 2016

#GabbyDouglas is awesome. From her routines to her hair to her poise, she rocks. Don't need to put ur hand over ur heart to show respect.

— Mimi (@Mynxmittens) August 10, 2016

I wish these ppl were as outraged abt police brutality as they are about #GabbyDouglas not putting her hand on heart during #nationalanthem

— MKS (@MKS_621) August 10, 2016

USA defender Kelley OHara listens to the national anthem before the Algarve Cup match vs Iceland #GabbyDouglas pic.twitter.com/L5CHZsIvap

— Black Survival (@b_epic84) August 10, 2016

• Michael Phelps Stare Not Pretty, but It Worked on Butterfly Rival
• Rio Officials Lose Keys to Olympic Stadium as Games Start