The U.S. Justice Department has reached a settlement of approximately $100 million with around 100 individuals who say they were sexually assaulted by sports doctor Larry Nassar. The settlement has not been finalized yet, and no money has been paid out at this point. An internal investigation revealed that FBI agents mishandled abuse allegations by women more than a year before Nassar’s arrest in 2016. The settlement was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and a Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the matter. Nassar, who was a doctor at Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for assaulting female athletes, including prominent Olympic gymnasts.
Lawyers representing the assault survivors filed claims against the government, specifically focusing on a 15-month period during which FBI agents in Indianapolis and Los Angeles were aware of allegations against Nassar but failed to take action. The Justice Department’s inspector general confirmed significant errors in handling the case. Nassar’s assaults continued until his arrest in late 2016, impacting prominent athletes such as Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney. FBI Director Christopher Wray apologized to the survivors during a Senate hearing in 2021, acknowledging the agency’s failure to act in 2015, which could have prevented further abuse.
The Michigan attorney general’s office ultimately took on the assault charges against Nassar, while federal prosecutors in western Michigan pursued a child sex abuse images case against him. Michigan State University, accused of overlooking multiple opportunities to stop Nassar over the years, agreed to a $500 million settlement with more than 300 women and girls who were assaulted. Additionally, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee reached a $380 million settlement in connection to the case. These organizations were held accountable for their roles in enabling Nassar’s abuse and failing to protect the athletes under their supervision.
The FBI’s mishandling of the Nassar case has raised serious concerns about the agency’s handling of sexual abuse allegations and the protection of victims. The Justice Department’s decision to settle with the survivors reflects a recognition of the significant failures that allowed Nassar’s abuse to continue unchecked for an extended period. The survivors of Nassar’s assaults have faced a long and difficult road to justice, with the recent settlement serving as a form of acknowledgment and compensation for the harm they endured. Moving forward, it is important for institutions and authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes and take swift action in response to reports of abuse to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The settlement between the Justice Department and Nassar’s survivors represents a significant step towards accountability and justice for the individuals who were subjected to his abuse. The FBI’s acknowledgment of its failures in handling the case underscores the need for enhanced protocols and procedures to respond effectively to allegations of sexual abuse. The impact of Nassar’s actions reverberates throughout the sports world, shedding light on the importance of creating a safe environment for athletes to train and compete. As the survivors continue to heal and seek closure, it is crucial for all stakeholders in the sports community to prioritize the protection and well-being of athletes, ensuring that such abuses are prevented and properly addressed in the future.
