If there’s one thing Chrissy Teigen has made clear over the years, it’s that she’ll be damned if she sits by and doesn’t call out the various injustices of the world. That’s why, on Tuesday, she became even more of a hero — in my eyes, at least.
What did Teigen do? Well, Teigen caught wind of the fact that Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney faced a $100,000 fine if she broke the terms of a nondisclosure agreement that was part of her $1.25 million settlement with USA Gymnastics after she brought allegations of sexual abuse against the Team USA doctor, Larry Nassar. Maroney currently has the opportunity to deliver a victim impact statement in court later in the week of Jan. 15 during Nassar’s sentencing. While it appears that US Gymnastics wouldn’t actually enforce the NDA in reality, the fact that it even exists appears to be intended to keep her silent — and not in a way that is beneficial to her.
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Teigen, catching a whiff of some hot nonsense, promptly tweeted out a screen-cap of the headline teasing the ramifications of Maroney breaking her silence with a strongly worded caption to go alongside it: “The entire principle of this should be fought – 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.”
The entire principle of this should be fought – 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. pic.twitter.com/lsBEgEqZpD
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) January 16, 2018
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This news about Maroney facing a fine and the implications that come with her breaking her NDA to testify in court is something that is inexcusable in the eyes of Teigen and, as it happens, The Office creator Mike Schur and actor Kristen Bell. After Teigen raised the alarm on this story, Schur and Bell quickly tweeted out their support by offering to split the fine among the three of them.
I’ll split it with you. https://t.co/yp00LwJsNQ
— Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) January 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/IMKristenBell/status/953385467147296768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Maroney is just one of 88 women who have brought allegations of sexual abuse and assault against Nassar, who was recently sentenced 60 years in prison for child pornography and pled guilty on several counts of sexual abuse. Maroney named the former doctor as her abuser, and soon afterward, Aly Raisman, Maroney’s Olympics teammate, did the same.
Even though Maroney is currently not on social media, she did release a statement of thanks and gratitude to Teigen for offering her support during what is likely a very tough time for Maroney as she navigates her way from between a metaphorical rock and hard place.
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“I’m not on social media right now, but I wish I was for this!” she stated. “I’m shocked by your generosity, and I just want you to know how much hope your words bring to all of us! I just can’t get over the fact that someone I don’t personally know is sticking up for me, let alone a strong woman that I’ve looked up to for years!”
Maroney’s statement continued with this sweet sentiment: “Thank you Chrissy, you’re so inspiring, and things are starting to change because of people like you! Just saying that was worth the decision to speak up regardless of a fine. You’re heart [is] pure gold. God bless. All my love, McKayla.”
It is without a doubt heartening to see Teigen once again standing up for another woman who she hasn’t met and yet believes and supports unequivocally. This kind of support, especially during a time when Maroney is likely really going through it, is enough to restore your faith in the world, I think. It’s unclear if Teigen, Schur and Bell are able to actually pay for Maroney’s fine, but regardless, this kind of action is definitely what we need more of in the world.
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