Larry Nassar sexual assault victims would receive as little as $82,550 under settlement proposed by USA Gymnastics
A tiered-settlement system proposed by USA Gymnastics would pay some of Larry Nassar’s sexual assault victims as little as $82,550, while a top tier of 66 gymnasts would receive as much as $1.25m.
An attorney for hundreds of victims of Nassar's abuse says the total $215m settlement offer is insufficient. That figure is being split between 517 individuals who Nassar assaulted in his time as team doctor.
Nassar, serving a 60-year prison sentence for child sex abuse images, has received multiple sentences of more than 100 years for sexual assaults.
Women sexually abused by Nassar at the Olympics, world championships, US team training camps or other national team events would each receive the top amount. Non-elite gymnasts at USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events would receive $508,670, while victims at non-USA Gymnastics locations would be paid just under $174,401. Those with “derivative claims” would be paid the lowest amount.
Southern California lawyer John Manly, who represents more than 180 clients with active claims against USA Gymnastics, called the settlement offer “dead on arrival” in January because it would prevent further action against US Olympic and Paralympic Committee officials.
Said Mr Manly, quoted in the OC Register: “My client Rachael Denhollander asked what is a little girl worth. Apparently if you’re raped by the national team doctor you’re worth $82,000 to USA Gymnastics.”
USA Gymnastics, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2018, said in the filing the gymnasts have until 8 May to approve the proposed settlement.
Should the settlement be rejected, lawsuits can be filed after USA Gymnastics exits bankruptcy, with plans possibly approved before the Tokyo Olympics begin in July.
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