Michigan State To Pay Nassar Victims Up To $500M

EAST LANSING, MI – Michigan State University will pay up to $500 million in settlements to the survivors of sexual abuse by sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar. The university also agreed that no confidentiality agreements or non-disclosure agreements will be attached to the settlement.

The university announced the settlement on its website on Wednesday. The joint statement came from lawyers representing the 332 survivors of the former Michigan State doctor and lawyers representing the university. According to the statement, the university will pay $425 million to survivors who already have come forward with claims against MSU, and set aside an additional $75 million for any future victims that come forward.

The settlement was agreed to by MSU's board of trustees during a conference call on Tuesday.

The settlement applies to only Michigan State University and MSU individuals sued in the litigation, according to the statement. It does not cover claims against USA Gymnastics, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and other parties outside the university.

"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 attorney John Manly, who represents the survivors of Nassar's abuse. "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."

Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, who called for an investigation into MSU's handling of the reports of abuse by the women and girls by Nassar, issued a statement on the settlement. "This is about justice for the survivors ... Those who spoke at the many days of sentencing remain in my thoughts every day, and their strength is an inspiration to us all."

In separate trials earlier this year, Nassar was convicted of sexually abusing young women and girls, many of whom were gymnasts. In one case, he was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison, and in the other up to 125 years in prison. Additionally, Nassar was convicted last December on federal child pornography crimes. He is currently serving a 60-year prison term on the federal charges.

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