Why I Spoke Up: Rachael Denhollander

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 http://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