Survivors of the former national gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar will receive a $138.7 million (£110 million) settlement from the US Justice Department.
The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accused the FBI of mishandling reports of sexual assaults by Nassar and not taking them seriously.
Among the 139 claimants were well-known US Olympic gymnasts such as Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney.
Nassar, currently serving up to 175 years for sexual assault, was the subject of this lawsuit.
In 2021, the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General concluded that the FBI had neglected Nassar allegations and made significant errors.
The FBI began investigating Nassar in 2015 but failed to properly document meetings with USA Gymnastics officials and notify local authorities of Nassar’s ongoing risk.
Despite FBI awareness, Nassar continued treating patients for over a year.
Most claimants said they were assaulted after the FBI first learned of Nassar’s abuse in 2015, many being athletes with USA Gymnastics or Michigan State University.
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer called Nassar’s actions a betrayal of trust, emphasizing the importance of taking such allegations seriously.
The settlements, one of the largest in DOJ history, aim to support victims in their healing process.
Maroney expressed betrayal by institutions meant to protect them, stating that justice and healing could only come through legal action.
The total settlements related to Nassar’s misconduct have exceeded $1 billion, including agreements with Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics.
In 2021, FBI Director Christopher Wray apologized to affected athletes, and one agent involved in the investigation was terminated.
Over 330 women accused Nassar of abuse, leading to his current prison sentence and a recent near-fatal attack in prison.
