Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman has joined more than 100 athletes alleging abuse inside USA Gymnastics. The 23-year-old gymnast says she was sexually abused by Dr. Larry Nassar, who worked for USA Gymnastics for almost 20 years.
Raisman discusses the abuse in her new book, Fierce. She says that she was first treated by Nassar when she was 15 years old.
In an interview with Dr. Jon LaPook on 60 Minutes, Raisman spoke about her anger regarding questions she’s faced about why these athletes didn’t step forward sooner.
RAISMAN: Why are we looking at why didn't the girls speak up? Why not look at what about the culture? What did USA Gymnastics do, and Larry Nassar do, to manipulate these girls so much that they are so afraid to speak up?
JON LAPOOK: You're angry.
RAISMAN: I am angry. I'm really upset because it's been-- I care a lot you know, when I see these young girls that come up to me, and they ask for pictures or autographs, whatever it is, I just -- I can't -- every time I look at them, every time I see them smiling, I just think -- I just want to create change so that they never, ever have to go through this.
USA Gymnastics cut ties with Nassar when allegations first became public in 2016, releasing the following statement at the time:
“Dr. Nassar is no longer affiliated with USA Gymnastics. Upon learning of athlete concerns, USA Gymnastics immediately notified law enforcement. Since then, we have cooperated fully with the law enforcement agency, including refraining from making further statements or taking any other action that might interfere with the agency’s investigation. We are grateful to the athletes for coming forward to share their concerns.”
Dr. Nassar accepted a plea deal in July that would have him serve a combined sentence of 22-27 years for possession of child pornography, rather than charge him with sexual assault — a widely criticized move prosecutors justified by saying that many of the allegations they heard occurred overseas, where they have no jurisdiction.