LANSING, Michigan – The Department of Justice announced on Tuesday a $138.7 million settlement with victims of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar to address their claims of FBI misconduct in handling allegations of sexual abuse.
The settlement resolves 139 tort claims filed against the DOJ and FBI by athletes and patients who reported abuse by Nassar, including well-known names like Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney. These claims sought approximately $1 billion in damages, stemming from the FBI’s failure to properly investigate reports of abuse by Nassar, leading to further harm to at least 40 more girls and women.
In response to the settlement, Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer emphasized the importance of taking these allegations seriously from the start, acknowledging the enduring impact of Nassar’s actions on his victims. While the financial compensation cannot undo the harm inflicted by Nassar, it is hoped that it will provide some much-needed support for the healing process of those affected.
Nassar, who pleaded guilty to various charges in 2017 and 2018, is already serving significant prison sentences for his crimes. Despite the criminal accountability faced by Nassar, the FBI’s failure to intervene in a timely manner has drawn criticism and scrutiny, leading to the settlement with the victims.
Attorneys representing the claimants expressed satisfaction with the settlement but also highlighted the FBI’s shortcomings in protecting women and girls from abuse. They called for accountability and systemic changes within federal law enforcement to prevent such failures from occurring in the future, signaling the importance of learning from past mistakes in handling cases of abuse.
As the settlement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Nassar’s abuse, it serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to address misconduct and prioritize the protection of vulnerable individuals from harm. The impact of Nassar’s actions reverberates through the lives of his victims, underscoring the need for accountability and justice in cases of abuse and misconduct.