Why I Spoke Up: Rachael Denhollander
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- Опубликовано: 22 дек 2017
- Over 140 women and girls have accused former Team USA Gymnastics doctor, Larry Nassar, of sexually abusing them under the guise of medical treatment. Rachael Denhollander was the very first to come forward.
As the first person to publicly accuse an acclaimed public figure of sexual assault, Denhollander faced an incredible amount of backlash, disbelief, and victim shaming. In this video, she discusses the what inspired her to come forward, the obstacles she faced, and the role that USA Gymnastics played in enabling Nassar’s abuse for decades.
“Why I Spoke Up” is a collaboration between Emmy-award winning videographer Deanna Hong and the Gymnast Advocacy Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created with the goal of eradicating abuse culture within the gymnastics community through education and advocacy.
For more information about the project and to be notified about future developments, please visit www.deannahong.com/whyispokeup.
Producers: Deanna Hong & Allison Truscheit
Editor: Deanna Hong
Animator: Kaley Powers
Special Thanks to: Rachael & Jacob Denhollander
Additional Thanks to: Reina Glenn, David-Christopher Harris, Kathryn Boyd-Batstone, Ravali Reddy, Sarah Wolfish, Jessica O'Beirne, Charlotte Drury and Lorraine Schneider
Good Lord her eloquence astounds me. The succinct focus of every sentence hammers home her points
She is so beautifully well spoken and eloquent.
She is right to point out that it only takes one critic for others to do the same thing. She told the truth the whole time.
She really is!!! And her words have meaning. I love her!!!! I live in Lansing, MI. I attended the High School Larry was the gymnastics trainer. She is truly our hero.
After bullying I developed severe anger issues, for the next 3 years of my life I kept fighting against myself in my head that I was eating shit during meals. During every moment of those 3 years I also kept fighting against myself in my head that the bullies were sodomizing me and my family members. As a result I couldn't concentrate during exams and classes.
I am still having self esteem issues 14 years on from the incident.
I went to army and didn't do some admin work due to fighting myself in my head and army people thought I was lazy and thus bullied me as well.
This is why I have zero sympathies and zero tolerance for bullies. I am 31 years old and don't even have a wife now, partly sabotaged due to bullying. I went to teach the bullies a lesson by cyberbullying/harassing them online, the bullies were so "strong" until they went to call the police LOL, but like I mentioned above, I have zero regrets :)
@@andyng5321 Really andy why do you keep posting the same comment to every comment? It is getting old and has nothing to do with the comment made that you are replying to.
@@EktaShah82 cause of the same reason I explained to you 13 hours ago. As well as letting people know how severe after side effects can be, not what a human being should have had to live through(except those dogs).
She is the 5 Star General in the war against Nassar. Rachel is an American Hero...Bravo Rachel...you showed us all how one person can make mountains.
Mona Lisa Jones Rachael
inmate 175 year that thing going to hell what he did just little man "rachael denhollander 5 star general hero "
Rachel, all of us who are part of the larger gymnastics community - or are women - or are victims of sexual assault - are forever in your debt. Thank you.
tribe2003 Rachael
Amen
Our "5 Star General," as the Judge told her
@@lillieroberts5731 amen! She is the embodiment of what any abuse survivor aspires to be. What she did will send her and Marisa Kwiatkowski down in history books for years to come along with her honor judge Rosemarie Aqualina, Prosecutor Angela Povalitis, and Detective Andrea Munford and the men at Indy star who backed Marisa’s investigation.
She knew the backlash she might face if she spoke up and she did it anyway, singlehandedly changing the course of USA Gymnastics. The bravery and strength she has is unparalleled. Good for her.
Personal power element she took into account. She knew she had more emotional strength and situational power as an attorney than many of these other girls and women. She could leverage that to build the army of other survivors and did when it became apparent she was not alone
@@lianecornils8733 it did nothing? Would it trouble you to clarify what you mean by this statement?
@@EktaShah82 means he got put away. Forever.
@@lianecornils8733 ah yes! May he rot in the devil’s home for all I care. I’m glad he got what he deserved
She doesn't feel it changed the gymnastic. Culture of abuse or she may let her daughter in it. She changed her own story and put him in prison. The rest of them are still waking about.
This video is perfect. I keep telling everyone that what is happening at USA Gymnastics is so much bigger than Larry Nassar. This video perfectly explains why. Notice how Nassar is barely mentioned. It's mostly about the system in place that allowed abuse to occur for so long. 54 coaches! This video is so important for everyone to see. It contains important lessons about how the public perceives sexual assault, why victims often don't come forward or why they come forward years or even decades afterwards, and why coming forward alone is usually not enough to generate change.
The Two Mile Network was not mentioned by the media either in the Penn scandal.
Jessica Balukas These systems are created systematically..by groups of people..eg: In a jewish community where there's alot of silencing, shaming..covering up. Or other religious communities..TV companies..Basically, places where individuals are used as pawns to cover..be it unwittingly or bribery..or control..where the price they pay for speaking up is Costly or detrimental to their lifes. I salute this young woman and all the brave young women and girls who used their words and voice to bring people to justice. Also to stop this from continuuing by demanding this CULTURE out.
Surprised the IOC has not banned the USA's women's team from the next Olympics. USAG and USAOC officials knew and allowed this to happen by not reporting it to law enforcement, to perpetuate a pressure cooker environment. I find it ironic the IOC points the finger at China and Russia over human rights violations, but has not commented on the one and only country subjecting it athletes to systematic physical, mental and sexual abuse as part of qualifying process. And doing it for decades.
alizzia11 , why punish the athletes? They should have a team come in and take over like the U.N. does.
+
Thank you so much for honoring Rachael by making this video. She is truly a hero and deserves to be displayed like this.
Look up hero in the dictionary. There you'll find this brave, articulate young lady's face. Her efforts to put away the Nassar disaster are to be applauded.
Agreed
Your voice is like velvet and you are wise beyond your years. You GO girl!
Nobel Prize for this woman
Absolutely
So true
Yess!!!
Agree
Also would love a Pulitzer Prize for Marisa Kwiatkowski who made it possible for this to be on the radar of the public
Such a smart woman, she's a very good speaker! She is definitely doing her part to help make a better world for her daughter and for the next generation💜💜
THIS IS INCREDIBLE! thank you soooo much for making this video!
powerful and true.....and to date not a single USAG Board member has spoken out or resigned.
So absolutely deplorable
Can we put her on the board?
She belongs on a Most Influential list
This is a woman of real courage!
An amazing woman. The world needs 100's of Rachael Denhollanders.
Girl, you were NEVER stripped of ur dignity, if anything, you are even MORE DIGNIFIED , than before you stood up for yourself. He's the one that holds the shame, embarrassment, guilt, etc. Not you. Not the other girls. Him. I'm thrilled u are a lawyer. We need more outspoken, powerful, strong, kind women in positions of power and change. Go do more great things!! So proud of you. Much love 💟 and respect. ..Daria ~ ~
She truly a brave woman!
Turboproficient ...probably well paid to do this
If you watched her victim impact statement, you'll know that Rachael, when asked by the judge, was NOT interested in the restitution offered. She's the realest.
neon knight
Were you born of a woman or in petri dish?
Thank You Rachael you have demonstrated bravery and sent a message to many. You have spoken out to me. When I used to work part time (I’m in the university now) there was a guy sexually assaulting many women for a long time I wasn’t aware that it was happening until I became the next victim. I was horrified and shaken at 17/18 years old I was unaware what just happened all I know is that it did not feel right. I talked to my parents that same night they encouraged me to report it so I did the next morning crying one office to management as I received what occurred. After I spoke out many other girls did too. I was shocked it made me wonder if I did something wrong or if I was too dramatic because no one else spoke out before for a long time. When I learned and heard more about you I learned to not be ashamed of anything I should be proud that I put a stop to something that could of affected more girls (including customers very young girls!). We know to be educated more and praise among those who speak out so we don’t feel ashamed, embarrassed or confused when it comes to a serious matter. I’m really happy many inspirarle women like you are speaking out we need society to look up to more people like you. It’s #timesup no one should ever get away with serious matters like this. I’m very upset with USAG for letting this continue to happen it is time to hold accountable too!
I admire the eloquent way Rachel spoke up against the cruelty and criminal abuse she and others endured from Larry Nassar.
The fact she’s also a proLife advocate makes sense as she’s a powerful voice for justice for the vulnerable.
Rachel, God bless you. You’re a brave and righteous soul helping many.
B D there is literally no correlation between the two things. Especially since the proLife narrative actively shames women and their sexuality, infringes on their rights as human beings and basically wants to decide for the whole entirety of women, what is right for their bodies.
You don’t have to agree with proChoice to see that it does not dictate and ban and criminalize the way that proLife does. I have no qualms with you being proLife, as you are very much allowed to do as you please. But please don’t tell other women what to do with their bodies, as it is not your place to do so.
B D very well put! A powerful voice and advocate for the vulnerable who can't speak for themselves, the unborn child. This is the essence of pro-life, defending the rights of the voiceless, the unborn.
A c. Pro-life defends the rights of The Unborn, period. It does not actively shame women or their sexuality. I wonder if that's something that pro-choice has added to support their argument.
It's about the rights of a woman to her own body and the rights of the baby that she's carrying. Two people involved here! Not an easy task.
Amazing presentation, and yet completely ignored on RUclips.
Thank you Rachael, thank you Deanne!
You are an inspiration. I am listening and your words are valuable. THANK YOU. You are making a difference.
Thank you Rachel for coming forward and speaking up.
Thank you for speaking up and for the clarity and grace in which you delivered this truth!
Had to look into this girl after seeing her speak on Megan Kelly. She is so well spoken and strong, I want her in office honestly
Thank you Rachael wishing you peace and healing.
I second that, well-spoken and eloquent. Speaks with conviction when needed.
I watched this just now as I had recently discovered the Larry Nassar case by chance on youtube. Truly heartbreaking, but yet watching the case and the testimonies, and then this...this woman is a bright shining star and sets an example of what it is to be an adult and have the accountability and voice to push against that which has hurt so many others including herself.
I really wish I could tell her that I admire her braveness and down-to-earth attitude over the case and that everything she feels, has done/been done, and what may be are all valid. I am truly impressed.
The management and board etc. are complicit. They are in the case of Peter Martins and NYCB. I have written to NYCB and request the they all resign and be replaced. No more money from me... My grand daughter is 7 and starting gymnastics and has a female instructor. This is very very frightening what was going on out there,. Thank you for your articulate brief. You are a strong, intelligent and incredible advocate for these girls.
Character, integrity and sacrifice. Rachel, you have raised the bar. Thank you.
Thank you for speaking up for so many.
The time is NOW. Love and support to all the gymnasts who suffered abuse and endured all these years. 💖💖
This year I came forward about my sexual abuse. After three years of staying silent. And Rachel played a big part as an influence.
Super powerful, and so beautifully succinctly articulated Rachel. I pray for all victims that they may find strength and healing through your words.
Thank you for your courage.
Thank you Rachael. Such a brave warrior and survivor. All around amazing person so strong.
All I can say is thank you. Thank you for your bravery and for protecting so many others from future abuse.
So well spoken and brave. Thank you!
Beautifully spoken and edited!
Thank you Rachel!
Thank you!
Well done. THANK YOU for speaking up about the truth🦅🌟
Amazing commentary. She nails it. Very powerful truth, thought, and courage on her part
Rachael, you are so courageous and you have my greatest respect. I pray for your healing.
Thank you Rachel for doing all that you did for this case 🙏❤️
Thank you...
Wow! Such a courageous and powerful woman. Thank you.
It's seems so crazy to me that someone can get away with sexual assault for so long
And many child molesters die free men and women sadly and same with rapists
God Bless you and your family Rachael and may He heal all that has been broken.
I am in awe of this woman! Truly inspiring and well spoken!
You are a hero. Thank you for your courage.
Thanks you Rachel for your bravery and everything you have done
You are such a strong young lady. I hope the rest of your life is amazing you deserve nothing but the best.
Rachael, you will forever be a hero for what you did in speaking up. Because of you, the future for little girls in any sport might now be protected by such monsters like Larry. Your courage to put yourself out there was undoubtedly scary, but please know the world is so very proud of you for taking a leap of faith.
She is so well spoken, so much respect towards her for continuously speaking out and pushing for truth.
Wow! Speechless!
Thank you.
She’s amazing. So well spoken. Strong. And I’m so thankful she spoke up and is continuing to speak up.
She is amazing, it takes so much courage to be the first one. Good for her.
Blessings to you💫
So proud of you all!!!! and ALL Abuse victims must speak out NOW, we need laws changes. By the time I was able to remember all...and speak of my abuse as a child. My Victims Rights had ran out. And in the 70s when it was investigated...the social worker spoke to the parents...never me IN PRIVATE. The state, the fed gov., USAG, ALL men have a responsibility to use self control, dont ruin a life, dont pretend they like it, dont do it, dont think about it, your a piece of crap-hell bound if you do.
She is so powerful and insperational! I respect her courage.
Thank you so much for your sacrifice. You are a hero!!
I was going to leave a comment about how in awe I am at how well spoken, articulate and poised Rachel is, but everyone here said it all! I guess we all see it.
**Standing ovation**
She is so brave! I really respect and admire her strength
You are brave, smart, articulate and so clear in your message. My heart goes to you for what you have been through and for strength in the fight that you have taken on. Never stop spreading the word, you were put here to do this.
Powerful communicator of truth and caring
Thank you so much, you're brave
Her voice is so eloquent and calming
God bless you, Rachel. Thank you so much for sacrificing so much to protect others!
Rachel used to go to my Dad's church so I've heard all the updates of this case and everything Rachel did. Rachel and the other girls are a heroes. I wonder if there will ever be a movie made about this.
there’s now an incredible documentary film on netflix called Athlete A about the whole case it’s incredible
There was both athlete a and also at the heart of gold
They are both documentaries about it
@@EktaShah82 thanks for sharing the other documentary! Have been following this case since the sentencing of Larry in the first county and hadn’t heard of that documentary. It’s incredibly sad how horribly these major institutions failed these women and young girls. The fact that even the F.B.I was reprimanded for letting this case die in someone’s department, just goes to show how hard it was for Rachael to be the first public survivor. The neglect and even intentionally dismissal of Larry’s abuse from these institutions was another knife in the back for these survivors. They showed they cared little for the children and athletes in their care and more about how much money they could lose. They single handedly ruined their reputations and lost more money then they ever would have if they had just done the right thing and reported the abuse allegations when they were first brought to light. Imagine how many survivors would have been spared if the first report back in 1997 was actually taken seriously and not just dismissed by the coach it was reported too. Even in the time it was reported to the F.B.I to when Rachael first spoke out in the Indystar article, over 120 girls were victimized. I still can’t wrap my head around how multiple people and institutions decided to look the other way and let a pedophile run rampant under their leadership. MSU has still refused to change and hasn’t even fired any of the enablers who never reported Larry. Even the people who were required by law to report abuse because of the field they work in. Sorry for my Ted Talk I just can’t believe how I would feel as one of these women. It seems like every time new information is brought to the public, more instances of a cover up are discovered. Hopefully these survivors are living their best lives. They are still fighting to make sure nothing like this case ever happens again. That’s more strength and resilience than I could ever dream of having.
@@taylors445 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
@@taylors445 never apologize for speaking up! Never!! Your voice matters!! Don’t forget that! I appreciate you Bc I’ve seen and lived institutional abuse in the medical system as a doctor and I’ve known those kind of predators. A doc friend of mine has testified some years ago against William strampel of msu who groped her while she was a student there.
Well done Rachael... So proud of you ☺
What an amazing and courageous woman!! 💕
When I knew who she is I came to respect and look up to her very much for her Un matched courage in pursuing justice for all female gymnast who were victims of sexual abuse by a doctor nonetheless. . May God bless you and protect you and your family
Actually I outed abuse in elite gymnastics in the 1990s when an elite gymnast told me what was going on. When I spoke up, I faced retaliation from the entire sport, including the gymnasts and their coaches. The coaches gave backstage access to groupies in exchange for the boys' harassing and threatening me and my family, and lying that I was using fake stories of abuse to get closer to the athletes that THEY were abusing. Even now people still find the crap written about me (or my late mother, who they threatened repeatedly even when she was dying), and I've never seen even a single gymnast acknowledge what was done to me, even though it's public record. The decades of silence enabled this abuse and silence is just cowardice, letting others suffer so one does not have to themselves.
What was done to ME is about me. What was done to them is about them. What was done to me was a direct result of my attempting to stop what was happening to them.
Wow! You are so wrong! Do you think these women and girls are the only victims here! There are MANY families who suffered under this system! This young man spoke out and paid the price! He is JUST as an important witness as all the others! Give him the same respect you would give anyone else in this process! And most of all LISTEN to his story so we can hold the perpetrators accountable!
It's about truth and some wanted to keep it quiet. I dealt with abusers as a kid so I just did for other kids what wasn't done for me. I'm glad the women finally spoke up. I'm not an abuser and don't profit from them so I don't lose anything by them being caught.. obviously a lot of people thought they had to keep this quiet. Much bigger than any of us.
jqbtube Fuck off. This brave young man just told his own story. Yes, it is about him. Yes, he deserves to be acknowledged and heard. You're disgusting.
She is a true American hero and her courageous voice changed the world for the better. Thank you.
What a truly amazing woman.
I'm so glad you did what you did, Rachael. Thank you for not only exposing Larry. However, everyone involved with abuse around him and abusers in general.
Wow... Rachael, You are Inspiring and a Well-Spoken Woman ;*)
This is an incredible video.
You are a torch-bearer, Rachel and the face of women's rights and empowerment!
This beautiful and brave woman is a hero, in every sense of the word. Thank you so much, Rachael Denhollander, for what you are doing. You are amazing.
Such a beautiful woman for having this courage.
Hearing the stories of Larry's victims and the institutional cover ups reminds me of what happened to me when my rape was reported when I was in the Navy.
What was the outcome if I may ask?
Edyson Maldonado he got sentenced by three separate judges and he got a total of 300 years in jail. That’s a huge victory for the survivors but there’s still more work to be done before the students can begin to feel safer attending and living at MSU’s campus.
After bullying I developed severe anger issues, for the next 3 years of my life I kept fighting against myself in my head that I was eating shit during meals. During every moment of those 3 years I also kept fighting against myself in my head that the bullies were sodomizing me and my family members. As a result I couldn't concentrate during exams and classes.
I am still having self esteem issues 14 years on from the incident.
I went to army and didn't do some admin work due to fighting myself in my head and army people thought I was lazy and thus bullied me as well.
This is why I have zero sympathies and zero tolerance for bullies. I am 31 years old and don't even have a wife now, partly sabotaged due to bullying. I went to teach the bullies a lesson by cyberbullying/harassing them online, the bullies were so "strong" until they went to call the police LOL, but like I mentioned above, I have zero regrets :)
She is such an amazing human being! A true, real life super hero!
You are amazing.
I'm humbled by her bravery....This woman is exceptional....
Rachael, my respect for your courage and sharp mind.
Rachael you are so amazing for speaking publicly.
Thank you. You are a role model
My body and heart needs connection. Activity. And people.
You're a brave woman with a lot of balls I wish I was more like you and speak up if I see something wrong!
Each of these survivors are heroes.
wow so much sadness...
She is amazing! What a strong and powerful woman!
You're my HERO!
Amazing woman, thank you for standing up against all these coward organizations. Shame on them for ignoring the little girls who reported this. What an amazing powerful testimony you gave on the day of sentencing for weak Larry Nassar, When you mentioned the Bible verse of someone makes a child stumble, it was very powerful. Rachael, you are a truly godly woman. If I was in the shoes of Larry, right there and then I would have repented with God. You said it perfectly, I listen to your testimony over and over and I get chills when you talked about repentance and you talked directly to Larry. That was coming from your heart and soul. Thank you Rachael, God will bless you many times over.
im so proud of you