Three years ago, Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, known as one of the world’s most exceptional gymnasts, bravely revealed her harrowing experience of s****l abuse by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. As she puts it, “Enough is enough”. Her emotional disclosure brought tears as she recounted the trauma she endured. Biles not only held the gymnastics organization accountable but also criticized federal law enforcement for neglecting to address the crimes, which left hundreds of young athletes vulnerable.

Since that distressing revelation, time has passed, and there have been significant developments. Recently, on April 23rd of this year, the Department of Justice made a noteworthy announcement. They disclosed that they would provide nearly $139 million in compensation to survivors of Larry Nassar’s s**ual abuse. This substantial settlement arises from the FBI’s mishandling of the initial allegations. But all this was possible when Simone Biles courageously stepped forward, alongside others, to bravely share her experience of abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar.

Simone Biles reveals startling truth behind abuse scandal

Simone Biles delivered an opening statement, asserting her belief that the mistreatment she endured occurred due to the systemic failures of organizations mandated by Congress to safeguard athletes–namely, the USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee. As she said, ” I was abused by their official team doctor long before I was ever made aware of their knowledge.” Expressing her profound concern, Biles emphasized, “I don’t want another young gymnast, or Olympic athlete, or any individual to experience the horror that I and hundreds of others have endured before, during and continuing to this day in the wake of the Larry Nassar abuse,” her voice reflecting palpable emotion.

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Delivered to the Senate Judiciary Committee, her testimony comes in the wake of a damning Justice Department inspector general report from July of that year (2021), shedding light on the FBI’s mishandling of the Nassar case. The report uncovered a severe oversight: despite initial reports of sexual assault in 2015 at Michigan State University, a high school, and a gymnastics club. But Nassar continued to have access to vulnerable gymnasts until September 2016.

Deeply troubled by the findings of the report, Biles asserted, “We suffered and continue to suffer because no one at FBI, USAG or the USOPC did what was necessary to protect us,” stressing the urgent need for accountability. She underscored the imperative of holding those complicit in enabling Nassar accountable, affirming her conviction that, without repercussions, such egregious misconduct will persist across Olympic sports, perpetuating harm to future generations. But the abuse wasn’t isolated to Simone Biles alone.

The damage is done but the reparation still exists

McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, and Maggie Nichols bravely shared their stories, adding to the collective voices as they too were abused. Among the 500 women, these four athletes shed light on the horrors that befell them. Today, Nassar serves a life sentence for his crimes. However, the journey toward justice didn’t end here only. Attorneys advocating for 77 of the 139 claimants represented these four athletes.

The Department of Justice announced a significant step last week, revealing plans to compensate survivors with nearly $139 million. This resolution addresses the mishandling of initial allegations by the FBI. According to the Department of Justice, $138.7 million will be disbursed among 139 victims, averaging approximately $1 million per claimant.

Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “These allegations should have been taken seriously from the outset.” Along with DOJ, Michigan State University is giving $500 million to survivors, and USA Gymnastics is paying $380 million. These developments underscore the far-reaching repercussions of Nassar’s actions and the shared responsibility to address them.