Leslie Jones Defends Gabby Douglas From Twitter Trolls

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Last month, Leslie Jones faced a wave of racist attacks on Twitter. Now, the comedian is standing up for another victim of online bullying: Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. The 20-year-old athlete has been targeted on Twitter for everything from her appearance to her attitude."She's had to deal with people criticizing her hair, or people accusing her of bleaching her skin," Douglas's mom Paula Hawkins told Reuters. "They said she had breast enhancements, they said she wasn't smiling enough, she's unpatriotic. Then it went to not supporting [her] team mates."

Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones knows all too well what it feels like to be on the receiving end of so much unjustified nastiness — and she's calling for Twitter to rally behind the trolling community's latest target. "Yo I just heard Gabby getting attacked on her page," Jones tweetedon Monday, "show her the love you showed me #LOVE4GABBYUSA send to @gabrielledoug." The supportive hashtag echoes the one that started trending when Jones fans fought back for her on Twitter, #LoveForLeslieJ.

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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

And we're happy to report that it looks like Jones' plan is working. People are getting behind Douglas on social media, encouraging the gymnast to stay strong. Go Team Gabby!

@gabrielledoug you are an inspiration to the world, and the U.S. thanks you for your commitment and performance! #LOVE4GABBYUSA #TeamUSA
— Maureen H (@mlokos27) August 15, 2016

World, enough with the hating on each other. #LoveforLeslieJ #love4gabbyusa #loveforeveryone #stophating
— Alexandra Cheney (@alexandracheney) August 15, 2016

Beyoncé’s Beyoncé (Michelle Obama) wants to be you @gabrielledoug. Thanks for being our inspiration. #LOVE4GABBYUSA pic.twitter.com/YtsajavbQd
— AstroPhD named Katey (@astrokatey) August 15, 2016

We are doing just that. We love you both! #LOVE4GABBYUSA and #LoveforLeslieJ #BlackGirlsRock #BlackGirlMagic https://t.co/Q4dKBq59qz
— Danielle Ricks (@daniellericks) August 15, 2016

I guarantee you there are athletes at these games who don't even know the words to our anthem #LOVE4GABBYUSA ?? thanks for repping us!!!❤️??
— danes ღ (@owlmeida) August 15, 2016

#LOVE4GABBYUSA Great job @gabrielledoug! Be proud of all you've accomplished. Thanks for representing USA so well.
— Mark Simko (@thndrbck) August 15, 2016

#LOVE4GABBYUSA @gabrielledoug is a class act. A wonderful athlete. Thanks to USA gymnastics team. @Lesdoggg https://t.co/yVlrNSFNap
— Marguerite Leonard (@MaggieL149) August 15, 2016

@gabrielledoug Thanks for sharing your talent w/the world & congratulations on all your success??? p.s. ignore the dumbasses #LOVE4GABBYUSA
— jandemommy (@jandemommy) August 15, 2016