*Leslie Jones knows a thing or two about being viciously attacked on social media.
In response to a similar assault that has met Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, the “Saturday Night Live” and “Ghostbusters” star-turned Olympics NBC commentator took to Twitter with the hashtag. #LOVE4GABBYUSA.
“Yo I just heard Gabby getting attacked on her page show her the love you showed me #LOVE4GABBYUSA send to @gabrielledoug,” Jones tweeted to her 540,000 followers on Sunday.
Yo I just heard Gabby getting attacked on her page show her the love you showed me #LOVE4GABBYUSA send to @gabrielledoug
— Leslie Jones (@Lesdoggg) August 15, 2016
Not only did it galvanize a movement of support for Douglas that had already started, but fans and celebrities alike appeared to stand up and wrap its virtual arms around the athlete and gently rock her back and forth.
@Lesdoggg @gabrielledoug Tweeted this earlier but it deserves another go round. #LOVE4GABBYUSA Way to go ladies!! pic.twitter.com/OKQdh9623E
— Melissa Randle (@lil_bit71) August 15, 2016
You are #BlackGirlMagic , You are a SHERO, you are an inspiration, thank you for being you ❤️??✊?#LOVE4GABBYUSA pic.twitter.com/PPMyt2m9Rw
— B. (@BrionnaR22) August 15, 2016
I have long respected and admired Gabby Douglas. She is a true champion!! Much love!! #LOVE4GABBYUSA
— Debra Lee (@IamDebraLee) August 15, 2016
We love you @gabrielledoug! Let’s stop acting like this talented beauty hasn’t accomplished something extraordinary in life. #USA
— Tika Sumpter (@iamtikasumpter) August 15, 2016
From one Gabby to another, I know. I KNOW! @gabrielledoug U are loved. U are celebrated. U are a queen & we support u! #LOVEFORGABBYUSA ❤❤❤
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 15, 2016
#LOVE4GABBYUSA nuff said.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 15, 2016
True story: Yesterday my 3 yr old announced that her name is now GabbyDouglas Rhimes. #LOVE4GABBYUSA @gabrielledoug pic.twitter.com/cp1G5SnYoT
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) August 15, 2016
This. ??❤️#LOVE4GABBYUSA https://t.co/URv3WclLXb pic.twitter.com/Kg9aE0w2dY
— Erin Ruberry (@erinruberry) August 15, 2016
PROTECT HER #LOVE4GABBYUSA pic.twitter.com/rQUGKhLXq7
— aeropostale mami (@shlemarcolofe) August 15, 2016
.@gabrielledoug you are nothing short of wonderful. We are so proud and send all our love to you. #love4gabbyusa pic.twitter.com/ovFv1v8jP2
— logan fountain (@loganfountain) August 15, 2016
On Monday afternoon, Gabby responded with gratitude. “Thank you so much for all the love! My heart is full. I love you guys,” she tweeted, including Jones in the message.
Thank u so much for all the love! My heart is full! @Lesdoggg ❤️ I love you guys!❣??
— Gabrielle Douglas (@gabrielledoug) August 15, 2016
Jones temporarily quit Twitter after she was hit with an onslaught of abuse from racist trolls, prompting the director of “Ghostbusters,” Paul Feig, to launch a #LoveForLeslieJ hashtag to help stop the attacks. Twitter ultimately stepped in and Jones rejoined the network, upping her social media stardom.
Her live-tweeting during the Olympics then earned her a ticket to Rio from NBC, where she’s been supporting Team USA, including Douglas, of whom she is a big fan.
During the Rio Games, Douglas has been accused of being unpatriotic for not putting her hand over her heart during the national anthem and being bitter of teammates Simon Biles and Aly Raisman’s gold and silver wins, respectively, and has even been given the nickname “Crabby Gabby.” She also has been attacked over her hair and her “lack” of smiling.
It drove the 20-year-old to apologize, which led to a slew of “Gabby Has Nothing to Apologize for” headlines in defense of the gymnast.
Below, more love for Gabby from Twitter:
@gabrielledoug #LOVE4GABBYUSA You’re an inspiration-not just because of your amazing skills, but your class in the face of internet-garbage.
— Kathryn Weller (@Wordnerd218) August 16, 2016
I rarely tweet, but I feel compelled to say thank you from the bottom of my heart #LOVE4GABBYUSA.
— Clark Miller (@ClarkMiller4) August 16, 2016
Gabby, hers is the opinion that counts. (Not theirs). ❤️ #LOVE4GABBYUSA @gabrielledoug pic.twitter.com/f5ftOA1SLm
— Nzinga Harrison, MD (@naharrisonmd) August 16, 2016
@gabrielledoug I’m 53 and I have your picture on my wall. You rock! #LOVE4GABBYUSA
— Margaux & Max (@margauxandmax) August 16, 2016
#LOVE4GABBYUSA You are an amazing young lady!Don’t let anyone tell you different ??
— danny harper (@dcharper2000) August 16, 2016