Former USA Gymnastics Physician Charged for Sexual Misconduct
In November of 2016, Larry Nassar, D.O., former USA Gymnastics National Team osteopathic physician, was charged with three accounts of sexual misconduct. Little did most know, this would spark over 100 victims coming forward to tell their stories and allege additional charges.
One month after the initial charges, Nassar’s charges expanded to include federal child pornography, with a possible sentence of 60 years. According to FBI reports, over 37,000 photos and videos of child pornography were taken from his home, including a video of Nassar molesting two females in a swimming pool.
Former National Team members Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Simone Biles have alleged that Nassar sexually abused them under the false impression that he had been giving medical treatment.
After lengthy court litigation, on Nov. 22, 2017, Nassar was finally charged with seven counts of of first-degree criminal sexual contact with female minors in Ingham County, Michigan. After these allegations began, former National Team members and USA Gymnasts came forth with similar accusations of assault. Over 100 victims will eventually speak.
Aly Raisman and Rachael Denhollnder were some of the first to step forward, claiming that assaults began as early as 13 years of age.
2012 National Team member McKayla Maroney used the #MeToo hashtag on Twitter to informally announce her claims against Nassar while Gabrielle Douglas posted on Instagram that she was also abused.
By coming forward, over 140 women, including Jordan Wieber, Stephanie Robinson, Maggie Nichols and Simone Biles, felt the door had been opened to safely share their accounts. In addition to blaming Nassar, the girls also reproached USA Gymnastics and the U.S Olympic committee for failing to provide a safe outlet for them to voice their concerns.
“USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic committee did not provide a safe place for us to train … I’ve come to the realization now that my voice can be heard,” Nichols said.
In addition to these charges, Nassar faces additional charges of sexual misconduct of seven girls on Michigan State’s campus, to which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25-40 years in prison.
“For all those involved, I’m so horribly sorry that this was like a match that turned into a forest fire out of control. I have no animosity toward anyone,” Nassar stated in an apology. “I just want healing. … We need to move forward in a sense of growth and healing and I pray (for) that.”
With their physical safety secured, the women now have a sense of empowerment knowing that Nassar will never see civilian life again.
“I came to the stand as a victim, and I leave as a victor,” Robinson said.
