Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan beef explained

THE INCIDENT surrounding the two figure skaters became a worldwide phenomenon.

Tonya Harding was accused of being involved in an attack that injured Nancy Kerrigan’s leg.

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When did the beef between Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan begin?

The drama between the two American figure skaters began years before the attack.

During a Fall 1991 competition, Harding became the first American woman to land the triple axel. As reported by People, this made her the top pick before the 1992 Olympic Games.

However, Harding placed fourth in the 1992 Games in Albertville, France, while Kerrigan was awarded the bronze medal.

After the Games, Kerrigan received the title of America’s Sweetheart. She gained sponsorship deals and public praise that, as People described, evaded Harding.

Harding and Kerrigan went head to head before the 1994 Games, each hoping to secure a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

How was Nancy Kerrigan attacked?

On January 6, 1994, Kerrigan was attacked at an ice rink after a practice session for the 1994 Games.

She was hit with a club on the back of her knee. The assault took place in Detroit, Michigan.

The attacker was later identified as Shane Stant, who had allegedly been hired by Harding’s ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, and her bodyguard, Shawn Eckardt.

However, as People noted, Harding denied knowing Stant in an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary.

According to History.com, Gillooly went to Eckardt in December 1993 to discuss how to keep Kerrigan from competing in the 1994 Games.

The publication stated that Eckardt then organized a meeting involving Derrick Smith and Stant. The two men agreed to carry out the attack on Kerrigan in exchange for money.

While the plan was to break Kerrigan’s leg, it was only left bruised.

What happened following the assault of Nancy Kerrigan?

Kerrigan received the silver medal during the 1994 Games in Lillehammer, Norway, while Harding placed eighth.

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According to People, Harding and Gillooly placed blame on the other while speaking with the FBI.

The New York Times reported that Gillooly pleaded guilty to racketeering and was sentenced to two years in prison accompanied by a fine of $100,000.

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It also stated that Eckardt pleaded guilty to racketeering and was sentenced to 18 months behind bars.

The New York Times also reported that Stant and Smith were convicted of “conspiring to assault” Kerrigan. They were sentenced to 18 months in prison.

As the publication noted, Stant was the one who carried out the attack, while Smith drove the getaway car.

As Biography.com said, Harding ended up pleading guilty to “conspiracy to hinder prosecution.”

The conviction came with a $160,000 fine, three years probation, and 500 hours of community service.

Harding’s 1994 national title was taken away and she was permanently banned from the U.S. Figure Skating Association.

In 2004, Kerrigan became a member of the Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

Both Kerrigan and Harding later competed on Dancing with the Stars. Kerrigan appeared in season 24, while Harding was featured in season 26.

Harding has continued to deny being involved in Kerrigan’s assault. However, she has expressed feelings of guilt.

In 2008, she told People: “Of course I feel guilty for what happened. But I can’t dwell. I have to go on living.”

I, Tonya — a film centered around Harding’s life and the scandal — was released in 2017 and stars Margot Robbie.

Harding went to the film’s Los Angeles premiere in December 2017 and stood with Robbie on the red carpet.