What's happened
The US Justice Department has reached a $138.7 million settlement with over 100 victims of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor, for mishandling sexual assault allegations. This settlement, combined with others, totals roughly $1 billion to compensate women assaulted by Nassar. The FBI's failure to promptly investigate credible claims allowed Nassar to continue preying on victims. The settlement aims to provide some closure and accountability for the survivors, including Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney, and Aly Raisman.
Why it matters
The settlement with Larry Nassar's victims is significant as it acknowledges the failures of the FBI in handling sexual assault allegations. It provides a sense of justice and accountability for the survivors, including top gymnasts, and aims to prevent such failures in the future. The substantial compensation reflects the severity of the abuse and the importance of holding institutions accountable for protecting vulnerable individuals.
What the papers say
The Justice Department's settlement with Larry Nassar's victims has been met with mixed reactions. The New York Times highlights the victims' lawyers' view that the compensation is inadequate for the FBI's initial reluctance to investigate Nassar. In contrast, The Guardian emphasizes the importance of the settlement in compensating survivors and acknowledging the FBI's mishandling of the case. The Independent focuses on the victims' attorney criticizing the FBI for not resolving claims from Jeffrey Epstein's victims, raising questions about consistency in addressing sexual abuse cases.
How we got here
Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics doctor, was convicted of sexually abusing numerous women under the guise of medical treatment. The FBI's failure to promptly investigate credible claims against Nassar allowed him to continue his abuse. The $138.7 million settlement with Nassar's victims is part of a larger effort to compensate those affected by his actions and hold accountable the institutions that enabled his abuse.
Common question
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Lawrence Gerard Nassar is a former USA Gymnastics national team doctor, a former osteopathic physician and professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and a convicted sex offender.
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Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan. MSU was founded in 1855 and served as a model for land-grant universities later created under the Morrill Act of 1862.
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