Taking on 'The Monster': Survivors Confront Dr. Larry Nassar

The Takeaway | Jan 16, 2018

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On Tuesday in Lansing, Michigan, women spoke up about the abuse they endured at the hands of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. He has pleaded guilty to 10 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct for abusing young gymnasts, and his sentencing hearing began yesterday.

Nassar already faces 60 years in prison on child pornography charges, and these sexual abuse charges could add 40 to 125 more.

At least 98 women are slated to give impact statements before the hearing is done, mostly current or former gymnasts who were young at the time of their assaults. All told, more than 140 female athletes say Nassar assaulted them. Among them: Olympians like Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, and McKayla Maroney.

“There’s not a day that passes when I don’t think about the monster … that created this mess," said Olivia Cowan, who was treated by Nassar 10 years ago.

Lindsay Gibbs is sports reporter at ThinkProgress and host of the sports and feminism podcast "Burn It All Down." She joins The Takeaway for the latest, and analysis.

This segment is hosted by Todd Zwillich

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