"I make no excuses" - Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton speaks on her DUI charge for the first time since arrest

On May 17, 2025, Mary Lou Retton, 57, was arrested in Fairmont, West Virginia, for erratic driving, intoxication, and suspicion of DUI (driving under the influence). Weeks later, she finally opened up about the shocking incident. In a recent conversation with People, Retton issued a statement through her attorney, Edmund J. Rollo, admitting to "take full responsibility" for her actions.

According to this June 10 report, she said:

"What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses."

Addressing the DUI charge, she also apologized to her loved ones and admirers for falling short. In an emotional statement, she shared:

"To my family, friends and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry."

Everything Mary Lou Retton discussed about her recent arrest

While speaking with People, the retired Olympic gymnast expressed her desire to move forward, learn from the recent incident, and adopt an optimistic approach in her life.

Mary Lou Retton stated, as conveyed by her attorney:

"I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life."

The Dancing with the Stars alum also added in her statement:

"I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support."

Her attorney also reflected on the former athlete, asking for privacy:

"as she moves forward with her personal and professional life."

According to The Daily Beast, police pulled over Mary's Porsche on May 17 after discovering her "driving all over the roadway." Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail stated that she had an odor of alcohol and exhibited slurred speech. The authorities also found an open screw-top wine bottle in the car's passenger seat.

On June 10, Mary Lou Retton attended a court hearing and entered a no-contest plea to a non-aggravated DUI charge. She was fined $100, which aligns with standard first-offense penalties in that area.

She was released after posting a personal recognizance bond of $1,500 on Tuesday. Her desire and commitment to learn from her mistakes and embrace growth came over a year after she battled a rare form of pneumonia in October 2023. The celebrated Olympic icon spent weeks in the ICU.

According to the report, her daughter McKenna confirmed the news, stating:

"My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life."

Breaking her silence on her mother's then-health condition, she further explained:

"She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she not insured."

Retton reflected on this challenging journey in a July 2024 interview with People:

"God wasn't ready for me yet."

Reflecting on those days, she shared her feeling that her life would change after the pneumonia diagnosis and treatment.

Retton detailed:

"It’s been really hard. My lungs are so scarred. It will be a lifetime of recovery. My physicality was the only thing I had and it was taken away from me. It’s embarrassing."

Her family raised over $450,000 to cover her medical expenses. Although Mary Lou Retton had recovered and returned home from the hospital some time ago, she still remained dependent on daily oxygen.