The U.S. Justice Department has reached a $138.7 million settlement with over 100 individuals who accused the FBI of mishandling allegations of sexual assault against former sports doctor Larry Nassar. This critical time gap allowed Nassar to continue preying on victims before his eventual arrest.
Nassar, who worked at Michigan State University and served as a team doctor for USA Gymnastics, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for assaulting female athletes, including Olympic gymnasts. The settlement brings the total amount set aside for compensation to victims of Nassar’s abuse to roughly $1 billion.
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer emphasized that Nassar’s actions should have been taken seriously from the beginning, and while the settlements cannot undo the harm inflicted, they aim to provide support for the victims in their healing process.
The FBI has acknowledged its failure to intervene despite having knowledge of the allegations against Nassar for over a year. FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed regret for the agency’s inaction, particularly in light of the survivors’ powerful testimony, including that of Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney.
Rachael Denhollander, who was the first to publicly accuse Nassar of abuse, expressed gratitude for the long-awaited accountability. She noted that many survivors never see justice or restitution, making this settlement a significant step forward.
In addition to the Justice Department settlement, Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have also reached substantial agreements to compensate victims of Nassar’s abuse.