US Olympian Refuses To Put Her Hand Over Her Heart During National Anthem This week, Olympian Gabby Douglas sparked outrage on social media when she neglected to place her hand over her heart during the National Anthem as part of the U.S. womens gymnastics team. According to reports, Douglas had her hands to her side while the rest of her teammates held their hands over their hearts while The Star-Spangled Banner played. Many Americans took to social media to express their outrage at the lack of respect for our country on national television. Would love to know why Gabby Douglas didnt have her hand over her heart during the national anthem, she got to compete for her country #USA, Kayla Shults tweeted. I get youre pissed at something Gabby Douglas, but show some pride respect put your hand over your heart #USA, Max Johnson tweeted. Gabby Douglas just standing there and not placing her hand over her heart while our anthem played was UN-olympic #respect #rio2016, Dawn Wisdom commented. Following the criticism, Douglas took to her own Twitter account to claim she never meant any disrespect. In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played, she wrote. I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. Im so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country! What do you think? Was this an honest mistake on Douglas part or was she trying to communicate something more? 