The U.S. Justice Department has reached a $138.7 million settlement with more than 100 individuals who accused the FBI of mishandling allegations of sexual abuse against former sports doctor Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016. This settlement brings the total amount set aside to compensate Nassar’s victims to $1 billion, including settlements from Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics.
The FBI’s failure to act on the allegations against Nassar allowed him to continue abusing victims. Former FBI Director Christopher Wray has expressed regret for the mishandling, acknowledging that the FBI had an opportunity to stop Nassar in 2015. The settlement aims to provide critical support to the victims of Nassar’s crimes and facilitate their healing.
The victims include decorated Olympians such as Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney. They have spoken out about the FBI’s mishandling of the case and the devastating impact of Nassar’s abuse. The settlement represents a significant step towards accountability and justice for the victims.
In addition to the FBI settlement, Michigan State University agreed to pay $500 million to over 300 victims, and USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee settled for $380 million. These settlements highlight the widespread failures that allowed Nassar’s abuse to continue unchecked.
The Justice Department has acknowledged its own shortcomings in failing to intervene. The $1 billion in settlements serves as a testament to the severity of the mishandling and the magnitude of the harm inflicted upon Nassar’s victims. While the settlements cannot fully undo the trauma they have endured, they are a significant step towards providing them with the support and justice they deserve.
