University agrees to pay US$500m to victims of abusive ex-Olympic doctor Larry Nassar
Nassar assaulted girls and women while working for Michigan State; a lawyer for the victims said the settlement was a result of their ‘bravery’ because they ‘refused to be silenced’
Michigan State University has agreed to pay US $500 million to 332 alleged sexual assault and harassment victims of disgraced former sports doctor Larry Nassar, one of its former employees, settling lawsuits filed by the victims, both sides announced Wednesday.
“This historic settlement came about through the bravery of more than 300 women and girls who had the courage to stand up and refuse to be silenced,” said John Manly, one of several lawyers representing victims, in a statement.
“It is the sincere hope of all of the survivors that the legacy of this settlement will be far-reaching institutional reform that will end the threat of sexual assault in sports, schools and throughout our society.”
The settlement will pay US$425 million to the 332 girls and women who have come forward to date, averaging about US$1.28 million per victim. Michigan State will set aside an additional US$75 million in a trust fund for any victims who come forward in the future.
