The U.S. Justice Department has announced a significant $138.7 million settlement with over 100 individuals who accused the FBI of mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016. This critical time gap allowed Nassar to continue his predatory behavior before his eventual arrest.
Combined with previous settlements, a total of $1 billion has now been allocated by various organizations to compensate hundreds of women who were victims of Nassar's assaults under the guise of medical treatment for sports injuries. Nassar, a former sports doctor at Michigan State University and team doctor for USA Gymnastics, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes against female athletes, including prominent Olympic gymnasts.
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer emphasized that Nassar had betrayed the trust of those under his care for decades, and the allegations against him should have been taken seriously from the beginning. The settlement of 139 claims aims to provide some support to the victims in their healing process.
The Justice Department acknowledged its failure to intervene promptly in the case. Despite having knowledge of the allegations against Nassar for over a year, FBI agents in Indianapolis and Los Angeles did not take action, as revealed by an internal investigation.
FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed regret and apologized to the survivors, including renowned Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney, for the agency's failure to stop Nassar in 2015. Following a search in 2016 that uncovered evidence of child sex abuse, federal charges were brought against Nassar.
The settlement agreements mark a step towards accountability and justice for the victims of Nassar's abuse. While not all survivors were part of the recent settlement, many, like Rachael Denhollander, the first to publicly speak out against Nassar, expressed gratitude for the long-awaited accountability.
In addition to the Justice Department settlement, Michigan State University, accused of overlooking opportunities to stop Nassar, agreed to a $500 million settlement with over 300 women and girls. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee also reached a $380 million settlement in connection with the case.
Attorney Mick Grewal, representing numerous claimants, highlighted the significance of the $1 billion in total settlements as a response to the grave injustices suffered. The resolution of these cases was facilitated by a retired federal judge, Gregory Sleet, who served as a mediator in the federal claims.
Lead attorney John Manly commended the victims for their perseverance in seeking justice and holding senior officials accountable for their misconduct in the Nassar case. The long road to justice has been marked by tears, pain, and relentless efforts by Nassar's victims, including many prominent athletes.
