Justice Department Settles with Larry Nassar Victims for over $138 Million

The Justice Department reached a settlement of more than $138 million with victims of Larry Nassar, the disgraced sports physician, acknowledging the FBI‘s failures in addressing the allegations against him. Benjamin C. Mizer, the Acting Associate Attorney General, highlighted the FBI’s inadequate investigation into Nassar’s misconduct over the years.

Mizer expressed regret that the allegations against Larry Nassar were not taken seriously from the start and emphasized that while the settlements cannot reverse the damage inflicted by Nassar, they aim to provide critical support to the victims for their healing process.

The settlement comes after a scathing report by Inspector General Michael Horowitz, which criticized the FBI’s handling of the Nassar case, particularly faulting the Indianapolis-based agents who failed to escalate the warnings about Nassar’s abuse.

John Manly, representing numerous victims including McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman, emphasized the lack of explanation from former FBI Director Jim Comey about the mishandling of the Nassar case, calling for accountability within the bureau.

The settlement announcement follows years of negotiation between Nassar’s victims and the Department of Justice, with funds already allocated to claimants on a case-by-case basis, set to be dispersed in the coming months.

Chuck Grassley, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, commended the survivors for their courage in speaking out against Nassar’s abuse and characterized the settlement as a step toward justice for the victims who suffered at the hands of Nassar.

Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have all previously reached civil settlements acknowledging their institutional failures in handling the Larry Nassar case, further highlighting the widespread impact of Nassar’s actions.