In a troubling revelation, a prominent gymnastics organization allegedly sought to silence a former Olympic athlete regarding the severe abuse she endured. According to a recent legal complaint, the National Gymnastics Federation of America (NGFA) paid $1.25 million to retain the silence of athlete Kelsey Harper, who bravely shared her #MeToo story this past fall.
Harper, a renowned gymnast, disclosed her traumatic experiences involving Dr. Thomas Naylor, who has been convicted of molesting numerous young athletes. Despite her bravery in coming forward, Harper claims that prior to her public disclosure, NGFA coerced her into signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) as part of a financial settlement designed to cover therapy costs related to the abuse. Such NDAs are often used by powerful institutions to suppress the voices of survivors, and Harper received $1.25 million in exchange for her silence.
Legal Action Against NGFA
In light of these events, Harper has initiated legal action against NGFA, the National Olympic Committee, and the university affiliated with Naylor. Her attorney, Mark Jensen, criticized the NDA as “hypocritical and unethical,” pointing out that California law prohibits minors from being forced to sign such agreements in instances of sexual abuse. “If they can treat a high-profile athlete like this, it raises concerns about how they handle cases involving less prominent individuals,” Jensen stated, questioning the organization’s commitment to safeguarding young gymnasts.
The lawsuit alleges that NGFA’s actions were part of a deliberate strategy to conceal Naylor’s misconduct, claiming that the organization aimed to keep the abuse under wraps to avoid public scrutiny and legal repercussions. Naylor had been associated with NGFA for over two decades before being dismissed in 2015, following complaints from athletes. However, the federation did not make his abusive behavior known, allowing him to continue his practice at a state university, where he allegedly victimized more athletes.
The Impact of Naylor’s Actions
The impact of Naylor’s actions has been devastating; over 140 individuals have accused him of sexual abuse. Reports indicate that authorities discovered thousands of child pornography images linked to Naylor, including some depicting very young children. Harper’s lawsuit details how Naylor obsessively photographed her during the abuse, causing her ongoing distress and anxiety about the potential circulation of these images online.
Responses to the Allegations
In response to the allegations, NGFA placed responsibility on Harper’s legal counsel at the time, while the U.S. Olympic Committee denied involvement in the settlement agreement. The affiliated university has chosen not to comment on the matter.
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Conclusion
In summary, the legal actions taken by Kelsey Harper against NGFA highlight significant concerns regarding the treatment of abuse survivors within sporting organizations. The use of NDAs to silence victims raises ethical questions about accountability and protection for young athletes. The case emphasizes the necessity for systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of all gymnasts.