A Michigan doctor was accused of sexually abusing gymnasts. He was sued by 18 women and girls, the latest legal action over alleged assaults, mainly at his clinic at Michigan State University.
The lawsuit against Dr. Larry Nassar, Michigan State, U.S. Gymnastics and a Lansing-area gymnastics club was filed in federal court in Michigan. It makes claims of civil rights violations, discrimination and negligence.
Most times, he Associated Press doesn't name people who allege sexual abuse, but Rachael Denhollander of Kentucky, talked publicly about the lawsuit. She said she was assaulted by Nassar in 2000 when she was 15.
The victims of Larry Nassar come from a variety of sports
The abuse alleged by the 18 girls and women occurred over 20 years. Most of the victims were minors at the time.
The victims of the sexual abuse are composed of athletes from a variety of sports, such as gymnastics, swimming, track and field, figure skating, field hockey, soccer and basketball. The women accused Nassar of sexual assault, battery, molestation and harassment, which was perpetrated under the guise of medical treatment or physical therapy between the years 1996 and 2016.
There are more charges against Nassar
Now, Larry Nassar faces no less than five lawsuits. He has denied the allegations. He has also been charged with possessing child pornography and sexually attacking a girl at his Holt, Michigan, home and is being held in prison without bond.
In a statement, Michigan State declined to comment on the legal action but declared that campus police are investigating Nassar with state and federal authorities. Outside lawyers are advising the university on a review of Nassar's clinical work. He was fired in 2016.
There was no immediate answer from Indianapolis-based USA Gymnastics, but the group has already cut ties with Nassar.
