USA Gymnastics is currently dealing with a new lawsuit, claiming they failed to protect female athletes from sexual abuse. The latest allegations suggest that both USA Gymnastics and the USA Center for SafeSport were made aware of troubling behavior by coach Sean Gardner but did not conduct a proper investigation.
Attorney John Manley, representing the plaintiffs, has previously worked with notable athletes like Simone Biles in the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. He labeled the organization’s negligence as “despicable” in comments made to Fox News Digital.
“In 2017, USA Gymnastics knew Gardner posed a serious risk to children. They said nothing and allowed him to continue his predatory behavior without warning parents,” Manley stated, expressing outrage over the situation.
A spokesperson for USA Gymnastics responded by noting they could not comment due to ongoing litigation.
The lawsuit claims negligence from all parties concerning reports of Gardner’s misconduct, which allegedly included inappropriate hugs, kissing, and grooming female students while coaching in Mississippi.
The parents of one gymnast reported Gardner to USA Gymnastics and SafeSport in December 2017. They alleged that he demanded prolonged hugs from the girls during practices and dismissed one girl for refusing.
The complaint details various forms of misconduct, including inappropriate private meetings, abusive language, and sexual jokes made on social media. Gardner was also accused of excessive drinking in front of gymnasts and stalking one girl who was instructed to stop contacting him.
In August, Gardner was arrested on federal charges related to child pornography, marking a significant moment following his suspension from the Chau Gymnastics and Dance Institute in Iowa due to abuse allegations.
Chow Gymnastics is notable as the training ground for U.S. gymnasts Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas, both of whom went on to win gold medals in the Olympics.
In April 2024, another former athlete came forward with abuse allegations, as cited in a sealed police affidavit. The affidavit mentioned that the girl accused Gardner of using inappropriate discovery techniques, such as placing his hand between her legs.
Investigators also seized various digital evidence, including phones and computers. Reports indicate that inappropriate images of young girls, aged 6 to 14, were discovered, apparently recorded by a hidden camera in a bathroom.
