The Justice Department has reached a settlement with the victims of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor who was convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of young women and girls. The settlement, worth $139 million, was announced on Friday and marks a major milestone in the long-running case.
Nassar’s abuse came to light in 2016, when former gymnast Rachael Denhollander publicly accused him of sexually assaulting her during medical treatments. This prompted hundreds of other victims to come forward with similar allegations, leading to Nassar’s arrest and conviction on multiple counts of sexual assault and possession of child pornography.
The settlement with the victims, which was reached after months of negotiations, includes compensation for their pain and suffering as well as funding for counseling and other services to help them heal from the trauma of Nassar’s abuse. The Justice Department has also committed to improving oversight and accountability in the field of sports medicine to prevent similar abuses from happening in the future.
In a statement announcing the settlement, Attorney General Merrick Garland said, “We cannot undo the damage that Larry Nassar has done to these brave women and girls, but we can hold accountable those who enabled and covered up his crimes. This settlement is a step towards justice and healing for the survivors of Nassar’s abuse.”
Many of Nassar’s victims have praised the settlement as a long-overdue recognition of the harm they have suffered. “I’m grateful that the Justice Department has taken this step to acknowledge the pain and suffering that we have endured,” said Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman. “This settlement is a significant victory for all of Nassar’s survivors and a reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful they may seem.”
The settlement with Nassar’s victims is one of the largest in the history of the Justice Department’s Victim Compensation Program and serves as a powerful example of the government’s commitment to holding abusers accountable and supporting survivors of sexual abuse. As the survivors continue to heal and move forward with their lives, the settlement with Nassar serves as a reminder that justice can be served, even in the face of unimaginable pain and suffering.
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