U.S. Justice Department Announces $138.7 Million Settlement for Larry Nassar Victims

In a landmark decision, the U.S. Justice Department reached a $138.7 million settlement with over 100 individuals who accused the FBI of mishandling their allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar from 2015 to 2016. This pivotal time gap allowed Nassar to continue his abuse of victims until his eventual arrest. When combined with previous settlements, a total of $1 billion has been allocated by various organizations to compensate hundreds of women who were victims of Nassar's assaults, disguised as treatment for sports injuries.

Nassar's Betrayal and Settlement Agreements

Larry 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 numerous female athletes, including Olympic medalists. Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer expressed that Nassar had betrayed the trust of those in his care for decades, emphasizing that the allegations should have been taken seriously from the beginning. The settlement aims to address 139 claims, with Mizer stating that while the settlements cannot erase the harm caused by Nassar, they hope to provide critical support for the victims' ongoing healing process.

FBI's Failure and Apologies

The Justice Department's acknowledgment of its failure to act promptly is a significant aspect of this case. An internal investigation revealed that FBI agents were aware of the allegations against Nassar for over a year but did not take appropriate action. FBI Director Christopher Wray publicly apologized to the survivors, including prominent Olympians Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney, during a Senate hearing in 2021. Wray expressed deep regret for the repeated letdowns and specifically apologized for the FBI's failure to stop Nassar's abuse in 2015.

Legal Actions and Gratitude

Following an extensive investigation, authorities discovered images of child sex abuse in 2016, leading to federal charges against Nassar. Additionally, the Michigan attorney general's office pursued assault charges, ultimately shocking the sports world and prompting a compelling multi-day sentencing hearing featuring gripping testimony about Nassar's crimes. Rachael Denhollander, the first to publicly come forward with allegations against Nassar, expressed deep gratitude for the settlement, recognizing the long-awaited accountability achieved through the Justice Department's actions. Denhollander emphasized that such accountability and justice are rare for most survivors of abuse.

Institutional Responsibility and Subsequent Settlements

Michigan State University, accused of missed opportunities over several years to halt Nassar's actions, agreed to a $500 million settlement involving over 300 women and girls who were assaulted. Furthermore, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee settled for $380 million. Mick Grewal, an attorney representing numerous claimants against the government, highlighted the significance of the $1 billion in total settlements, underscoring the enormity of the injustices suffered by Nassar's victims.