A group of former and current Olympic gymnasts, led by high-profile names, filed a joint lawsuit seeking substantial compensation from the FBI for failing to act after recognizing credible reports of sexual abuse by Larry Nassar. The plaintiffs included an Olympic medalist and several other prominent athletes who spoke out about the harm they endured and the broader impact on the sport they love.
“The time has come for the FBI to be held to account,” remarked one of the most celebrated American gymnasts, echoing the sentiment shared by others who joined the legal effort through the law firm Manly, Stewart & Finaldi as reported by CBS. The group highlighted a pattern of inaction that, in their view, allowed Nassar to continue abusing athletes longer than necessary.
Another survivor emphasized the cascade effect of inaction, noting that if the FBI had fulfilled its duty, Nassar might have been stopped earlier, sparing many from further harm. The statement reflected the testimony of several survivors who described harassment spanning years and across multiple institutions.
The U.S. Department of Justice had previously announced that prosecutors would not press charges against FBI agents who were accused of mishandling the initial complaints. Later, the department acknowledged violations of agency rules, reinforcing concerns about accountability and reform within the agency.
Earlier testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee by top gymnastics figures described a “blind eye” approach that allowed a dangerous predator to roam freely for more than a year, undermining trust in a system meant to protect athletes. The revelations intensified calls for systemic changes across sports governance and law enforcement interactions with survivors.
Nassar faced accusations of exploiting more than 250 women and girls while practicing medicine. The FBI reportedly had evidence of initial complaints as far back as 2015. The public reckoning followed investigative reporting by a major outlet, which helped bring the case to a broader audience. Nassar was later sentenced to a lengthy prison term for multiple offenses, including assault, sexual abuse, and related crimes.
Michigan State University, implicated in not adequately addressing the abuse, agreed to a sizeable compensation package to more than 300 survivors. A parallel settlement system involved the United States National Gymnastics Team and the Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which together reached a substantial agreement with affiliated organizations to support those affected by the case. These settlements marked a significant moment in addressing harm and accountability within the sport, while underscoring the ongoing work of protecting athletes and preventing abuse in the future. [citation: Indianapolis Star investigation; official statements from the DOJ and affected organizations, as reported in contemporary records]