The Justice Department has agreed to pay more than $100 million to a group of Larry Nassar’s victims due to the mishandling of the sexual abuse allegations against the former USA Gymnastics doctor by the FBI. This payout comes almost three years after a report from the Justice Department inspector general found that FBI officials in Indianapolis did not respond to abuse allegations against Nassar with the appropriate seriousness and urgency. The money will be distributed to over 100 victims who filed claims against the FBI following the inspector general’s report, including gymnasts such as Olympians Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, and Aly Raisman.
The inspector general’s report determined that FBI agents had conducted limited follow-up after learning about Nassar’s abuse, leading to a delay in his conviction, which resulted in a life sentence for sexual assault and child pornography charges. This slow action by the FBI was heavily criticized by gymnasts, with Maroney speaking out during a congressional hearing about the false claims made by FBI agents regarding her abuse allegations. FBI Director Christopher Wray also acknowledged the agency’s failure to stop Nassar back in 2015, calling it “inexcusable.”
Larry Nassar, who was found to have sexually abused over 500 women during his time as the doctor for USA Gymnastics and at Michigan State, has already faced legal consequences for his crimes. Michigan State paid $500 million to survivors of Nassar’s abuse, and USA Gymnastics had a separate settlement amounting to $380 million. With the potential $100 million settlement from the Justice Department, the total amount of abuse settlements resulting from Nassar’s crimes will near $1 billion.
The $100 million payout from the Justice Department is a significant step towards compensating Nassar’s victims and holding accountable those who failed to respond to the abuse allegations in a timely and appropriate manner. This settlement serves as a form of justice for the gymnasts who suffered at the hands of Nassar and were let down by the FBI’s mishandling of their reports. It also highlights the importance of taking allegations of abuse seriously and ensuring that those responsible for such heinous crimes are held accountable for their actions.
Moving forward, it is crucial for organizations and law enforcement agencies to take a proactive approach in addressing reports of abuse and ensuring that victims are heard, believed, and supported. The case of Larry Nassar and the FBI’s mishandling of the allegations against him serve as a stark reminder of the importance of proper handling and investigation of such serious and sensitive matters. By holding perpetrators accountable and providing adequate support to survivors, we can work towards preventing similar instances of abuse in the future and create a safer environment for all individuals.
