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Simone Biles Says USA Team Doctor Larry Nassar Also Abused Her
Gold medalist Simone Biles joined the #MeToo movement just as Nassar faces sentencing.
Simone Biles has admitted to being abused by former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar. According to CNN, more than 140 young women have come forward to accuse Larry Nassar of abuse. "I, too, am one of the many survivors that was sexually abused by Larry Nassar," Biles tweeted on Monday, with the hashtag #MeToo. "There are many reasons that I have been reluctant to share my story, but I know now that it is not my fault," the 20 year-old Gold medal winner continued.
Many athletes, including Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas and McKayla Maroney (members of the "Fierce Five" US Olympic gymnastics team that won the gold in 2012) claim that Nassar abused them as well. Many of the victims revealed that they were pressured into silence or complicity by USA Gymnastics.
The organization has responded to Biles' assertions in a statement: "USA Gymnastics is absolutely heartbroken, sorry and angry that Simone Biles or any of our athletes have been harmed by the horrific acts of Larry Nassar," the group said. "We are our athletes' advocates. USA Gymnastics will continue to listen to our athletes and our members in our efforts of creating a culture of empowerment with a relentless focus on athlete safety every single day."
In November, Nassar pled guilty to seven counts of criminal sexual conduct. He faces sentencing today and additional sentencing later this month on three counts of criminal sexual assault involving victims in another county. As NBC News reports, nearly 100 girls and women are expected to give statements against Nassar today in court.
These charges relate to the doctor's tenure at Michigan State University between 1997 to 2016. He was fired after the allegations surfaced. He has also been named in multiple civil lawsuits.
In December, Nassar was sentenced to 60 years for child porn. As CNN shared, the 54-year-old was sentenced to time in federal prison for child pornography charges. Authorities say that he was found in possession of over 37,000 video and images of child pornography.
In a statement to "60 Minutes," USA Gymnastics say they adopted a new "safe sport policy" that requires "mandatory reporting" of suspicions of sexual abuse. They also said they have sets standards to "prevent inappropriate interaction."
[Photo: Getty Images]
