Resolving Injustice: Settlement and Accountability in the Nassar Gymnastics Abuse Case

In a significant legal resolution, the Justice Department has concluded a $138.7 million settlement with over 100 victims of the notorious former USA Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar. This settlement arises from the FBI’s initial shortcomings in the investigation of the sexual assault allegations.

Larry Nassar, once entrusted with the medical care of athletes, stands accused by more than 150 women and girls, including Olympic competitors, of using his position to perpetrate sexual abuse under the guise of medical procedures. However, these claims were allegedly ignored by the FBI.

Nassar’s conviction in a Michigan court, where he received a sentence of up to 175 years in prison, underscores the severity of his offenses.

Benjamin Mizer, the acting associate attorney general, expressed grave condemnation of Nassar’s actions, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the urgent need for accountability. Despite the settlements’ inability to erase the trauma inflicted by Nassar, they aim to provide essential support to the victims on their path to recovery.

The Justice Department’s acknowledgment of its failures was prompted by a damning inspector general’s report, which highlighted significant deficiencies in the FBI’s handling of the Nassar case, including negligence and policy violations.

Previously, in 2021, Nassar’s victims secured a $380 million settlement with USA Gymnastics, the US Olympic Committee, and their insurers. The following year, the DOJ initiated discussions to settle with survivors of Nassar’s heinous assaults.