FBI Settles for $138.7 Million in Mishandled Larry Nassar Investigation
The U.S. Justice Department has announced a settlement of $138.7 million with over 100 individuals who alleged that the FBI mishandled sexual assault allegations against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016. This critical time gap allowed the sports doctor to continue preying on victims before his arrest.
The settlement brings the total amount set aside by various organizations to compensate victims of Nassar’s abuse to approximately $1 billion. Michigan State University, where Nassar worked, and USA Gymnastics have also agreed to multi-million dollar settlements.
Nassar is now serving decades in prison for assaulting female athletes, including medal-winning Olympic gymnasts. The Justice Department has acknowledged its failure to intervene promptly. According to an internal investigation, FBI agents in Indianapolis and Los Angeles had knowledge of the allegations for over a year but allegedly took no action.
FBI Director Christopher Wray has expressed remorse and acknowledged that individuals within the agency missed an opportunity to apprehend Nassar in 2015.
The assault survivors, including decorated Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney, have commended the settlement as a step towards accountability.
Rachael Denhollander, the first individual to publicly accuse Nassar, expressed gratitude for the accountability, emphasizing that many survivors rarely experience such justice.
Michigan State University, previously accused of failing to take action against Nassar over several years, agreed to pay $500 million to more than 300 victims. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee settled for $380 million.
