US government reaches $138.7M settlement for mishandling Larry Nassar assault allegations by FBI | Global News

The US Justice Department announced a $138.7 million settlement with over 100 individuals who accused the FBI of mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016. This critical time gap allowed the sports doctor to continue preying on victims before his eventual arrest. Combined with other settlements, a total of $1 billion has now been set aside by various organizations to compensate hundreds of women who were assaulted by Nassar under the guise of treatment for sports injuries.

Nassar, who worked at Michigan State University and served as a team doctor at USA Gymnastics, is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for assaulting female athletes, including Olympic gymnasts. Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer emphasized that Nassar betrayed the trust of those in his care for decades and that the allegations should have been taken seriously from the beginning.

The Justice Department’s acknowledgment of its failure to intervene is a stark reminder of the missed opportunities to stop Nassar’s abuse. FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed regret for the agency’s inaction, particularly in 2015 when agents had knowledge of the allegations but failed to act. The survivors, including prominent Olympians like Simone Biles and Aly Raisman, were let down by multiple parties, including the FBI.

The settlements provide some measure of support for the victims, although they cannot undo the harm inflicted by Nassar. The $1 billion in total settlements reflects the magnitude of the abuse and the long road to accountability for the institutions involved. The survivors, like Rachael Denhollander, who bravely came forward to share their stories, hope that these settlements will bring some closure and justice to those who suffered at the hands of Nassar.