Larry Nassar Imprisoned for 300 Years, Hundreds of Female Victims Get Rp5.4 Trillion
WASHINGTON - Hundreds of women who were harassed by former United States gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar will receive $380 million (Rp5.4 trillion). The compensation money was promised to the victims after reaching a settlement with USA Gymnastics on Monday (12/13/2021).
The deal ends a five-year legal battle that began after a major abuse scandal rocked the US sporting world.
Nassar was sentenced to more than 300 years in prison in 2018 for harassing hundreds of female gymnasts.
Athletes including a number of Olympic medalists testified about how Nassar sexually abused them.
The settlement is one of the largest ever for a sexual harassment case, and as part of an agreement USA Gymnastics and the Olympic Committee will grant board seats to survivors.
Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to go public with allegations against Nassar in 2016, welcomed the news. He wrote on Twitter, "This chapter is finally closed."
He added, "Now the hard work of reform and rebuilding can begin. Whether or not justice comes and changes are made depends on what happens next."
The settlement will cover claims made by Olympic gold medalists including Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney.
In total, Nassar was accused of sexually assaulting more than 330 women and girls at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University.
The FBI's investigative report, published in July, found numerous missteps, delays, and cover-ups by FBI agents, which allowed Nassar's abuse to continue for several more months after the case was first opened.
A lawyer representing the victims described Monday's deal as "historic" but said they would continue to "pursue justice" against officials who failed to investigate the case.
Attorney John C Manly paid tribute to the women who testified publicly. "We won for one simple reason, the courage and tenacity of the survivors," he said.
USA Gymnastics filed for bankruptcy in 2018, as claims filed against Nassar continued to rise. The settlement was confirmed during a hearing in federal bankruptcy court on Monday.
In a statement after the settlement was approved, USA Gymnastics said, "Deeply sorry for the trauma and pain survivors have endured as a result of this organization's actions and inaction."
“Individually and collectively, the survivors have stepped forward with the courage to advocate for lasting change in the sport. We are committed to working with them, and with the entire gymnastics community, to ensure that we continue to prioritize our safety, health and fitness. athletes and community above all else," said USA Gymnastics President Li Li Leung.
In total, about $880 million in compensation has now been agreed in cases relating to Nassar's abuse, after Michigan State University agreed to pay $500 million in 2018.