The Justice Department announced a settlement of $138.7 million to resolve 139 claims by young women, many of whom were top female gymnasts, who were victims of abuse by former U.S.A. Gymnastics doctor Lawrence G. Nassar.
The settlement comes as a result of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s failure to promptly investigate credible claims of sexual assault by Mr. Nassar on over 150 women and girls under the guise of medical examinations and treatment.
This resolution is seen as a significant step in the long-standing battle for justice by the gymnasts, including renowned athletes like Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, and Aly Raisman, highlighting the systemic failure of institutions meant to safeguard young female athletes.
While the settlement was welcomed by the victims’ legal representatives, they emphasized that the monetary compensation from the government cannot fully rectify the harm caused by the delayed investigation into Mr. Nassar’s actions.
Mick Grewal, a lawyer representing 44 of the claimants, expressed that the women’s primary objective was to ensure that such injustices would never be repeated, indicating that the settlement was a step towards healing and closure.
