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Gabby Douglas apologizes over national anthem controversy

Gymnastics superstar Gabby Douglas is doing a little damage control on social media.

RIO DE JANEIRO — After her team’s Olympic gold medal victory in the all-around gymnastics competition, Douglas stood next to teammates Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian but didn’t put her hand over her heart during the national anthem.

Critics sounded off on Twitter.

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Meanwhile, fans came to her defense.

Douglas tweeted an apology.

“I apologize if I offended anyone,” she wrote.

“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 continued.

“I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I’m so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country.”