This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

Imagine being the darling of the 2012 London Olympics, only to be criticized for your every move four years later in Rio.

Gabrielle Douglas of the United States looks on during the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Gabrielle Douglas of the United States looks on during the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

That’s what’s happening to US gymnast Gabby Douglas, who not only didn’t make it to the event she won gold for in London, but who has been given the nickname “Crabby Gabby” in an onslaught of social media criticism.

“You go from people’s adoration to being the brunt of criticism and hatred,” Douglas’ mom, Natalie Hawkins said. “It is hard, because her nature is so giving and so kind.”

Speaking to CNN’s Alisyn Camerota on “New Day,” Hawkins said that her daughter has been devastated by online snark about her demeanor in Rio and whether she has been supportive enough of her teammates. Hawkins in particular called out critics chastising Douglas for not putting her hand over her heart on the medal stand during the national anthem.

“It was harsh to boil down your patriotism to one act,” Hawkins said. “That doesn’t determine how honorable you are, or how happy you are to compete for your country.”

Hawkins added that her mom is a Navy veteran and her dad is a Vietnam War veteran, and they always stand at attention or salute.

Speaking to CNN on Facebook Live, Hawkins explained that her daughter’s sensitive nature has made her especially susceptible to the vitriol.

“She’s like a sponge. Everything that you say to her, she just absorbs it.”

That cannot be easy for someone on an international stage. Hawkins said Gabby has even burst into tears when she’s yelled at her for not cleaning her bedroom.

“It’s been in Ohio as early as the mid-1850s at least, brought in as an ornamental plant because of its unique foliage and white flowers,” Gardner said. “It was actually planted in people’s landscaping, and it has been spreading.”

Douglas won a gold medal in Rio in a team event but finished seventh Sunday in the uneven bars.

The gymnast does have a lot of support, though, from her friends and family. Hawkins said she received a text from Douglas’ teammate, Aly Raisman, “offering some beautiful words of encouragement.”

And there seems to be a movement to reverse the online criticism. Thanks to Douglas’ supporters, #LOVE4GABBYUSA has been trending.