The Facts
More than 90 women who say they were sexually assaulted by Larry Nassar – including Olympic gymnasts Simone Biles, Maggie Nichols, McKayla Maroney, and Aly Raisman – are suing the FBI for a total of more than $1B for failing to act on the abuse.
The lawsuits draw on a report from the DOJ's Inspector General that said Nassar continued to see - and assault - patients for 14 months after USA Gymnastics first notified the FBI of his sexual abuse crimes in 2015.
The Spin
Narrative A
Had the FBI acted when it was first made aware of the allegations, Nassar wouldn't have been able to abuse hundreds more girls following the initial claims. Innocent until proven guilty is one thing, but there was substantial evidence of Nassar's guilt for years before anything was done about it. More than 300 underage girls were abused by Nassar during his career and the FBI's incompetence enabled him.
Narrative B
It wasn't just the FBI and individual agents who failed these women but the system itself. Coaches, doctors, psychologists, the USA Gymnastics and local police all received reports of the abuse but nothing was done. In his position of power, Nassar used his prestige to build credibility and allow the crimes to continue unquestioned.
