Here’s what victims of Larry Nassar told the court during his Ingham County sentencing hearing.
Starting Jan. 16, women assembled in Ingham County Circuit Court to directly address ex-doctor Larry Nassar, who has pleaded guilty to several counts of first degree criminal sexual abuse for inappropriately touching women under the guise of treatment.
Nassar was known for his work among the gymnastics community, accompanying the U. S. women’s gymnastics team to Olympic games as team doctor on several occasions. Many gymnasts testified Tuesday, but the court heard from other women as well — a family friend, soccer players, a figure skater, a former member of MSU’s volleyball team. A vocalist who was recommended to Nassar by Nassar’s wife.
The dates and descriptions differed, but the women were united by similar stories of abuse at the hands of a doctor they trusted. Many said their initial reaction was shame, guilt or embarrassment. Others expressed concern about their parents, many of whom felt partially responsible because they didn’t protect their children. Even more said they have had to deal with the ramifications of what went on later in life, as they didn’t quite realize what was happening until they heard others come forward.
Nearly 100 victims of Nassar are expected to provide statements to the court before Nassar’s Ingham County sentencing concludes. This post will be updated as court proceedings continue to include testimony from those victims.
Warning: The contents of this post may be disturbing to some viewers.
