The Department of Justice announced a settlement of approximately $138 million with the victims of former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar, who is serving decades in prison for sexually abusing hundreds of women and girls. The legal fallout from Nassar’s crimes reached a milestone on Tuesday, April 23, as the DOJ revealed the settlement with his victims.
More than 100 victims accused the Federal Bureau of Investigation of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Nassar from 2015-2016. The DOJ acknowledged its failure to intervene, stating that an internal investigation revealed FBI agents knew of the allegations but failed to take action.
FBI Director Christopher Wray previously apologized on behalf of the agency, condemning the actions and inaction of the FBI employees involved.
Rachael Denhollander — the first person to publicly speak out about the abuses she endured under Nassar — expressed gratitude for the settlement, acknowledging that it was a step in the right direction. However, Denhollander stressed that this is the first step, noting that failures like those seen in the FBI and DOJ are happening nationwide to survivors who lack media coverage.
Nassar, who worked at Michigan State University and served as team doctor for USA Gymnastics, is now behind bars for assaulting female athletes.
Michigan State University — accused of failing to stop Nassar — agreed to pay $500 million to over 300 women and girls who were assaulted. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee settled for $380 million.
Including the April 23 DOJ settlement, the combined compensation for victims now surpasses $1 billion.
