U.S. Justice Department Reaches $138 Million Settlement with Larry Nassar Victims

The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a $138 million settlement with the victims of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who was convicted of sexually abusing hundreds of young athletes. The settlement resolves claims that the FBI failed to properly investigate allegations of abuse against Nassar, despite being alerted to his crimes as early as 2015.

The agreement will provide compensation to over 500 survivors of Nassar's abuse, who have long criticized the FBI's handling of the case. It is one of the largest settlements ever reached in a sexual abuse case and represents a significant victory for the victims, who have fought for years to hold the government accountable for its failures.

Why this matters: The settlement highlights the systemic failures of law enforcement and sports organizations in protecting athletes from sexual abuse. It also emphasizes the importance of holding powerful institutions accountable for their role in enabling and covering up such crimes.

The settlement acknowledges the FBI's failure to adequately respond to allegations against Nassar in 2015 and 2016, allowing him to continue abusing young gymnasts. A 2021 Justice Department inspector general's report found that FBI agents failed to take the proper investigative steps when they first learned of Nassar's sexual abuse, leading to over 100 additional children being molested.

The settlement is part of nearly $1 billion in total settlements concerning Nassar, including $500 million from Michigan State University and $138 million from USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Nassar is currently serving multiple prison sentences for sexual abuse and child pornography crimes.

Key Takeaways

• DOJ reaches $380M settlement with Larry Nassar's victims for FBI's failure to investigate.
• Settlement provides compensation to over 500 survivors of Nassar's abuse.
• Settlement highlights systemic failures in protecting athletes from sexual abuse.
• FBI agents failed to take proper steps when first learning of Nassar's abuse in 2015.
• Nassar is serving multiple prison sentences for sexual abuse and child pornography crimes.