The Justice Department is in advanced talks to settle with victims of Larry Nassar, with the expected amount close to $100 million, following findings that the FBI mishandled complaints about Nassar. More than 100 women sought over $1 billion for the FBI's failure. Nassar, who pleaded guilty to abusing patients and possessing child abuse images, is serving up to 175 years in prison. Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics have previously reached settlements with Nassar's victims.
The Justice Department is in the final stages of negotiating a settlement with attorneys representing 100 victims of Larry Nassar, the former U.S. gymnastics team doctor, over FBI misconduct in investigating abuse allegations. The potential deal could involve tens of millions of dollars to resolve claims that the FBI failed to properly investigate Nassar's abuse. The settlement, if finalized, would address tort claims filed against the DOJ and FBI in 2022 by athletes and patients, including high-profile figures like Simone Biles and Aly Raisman. The FBI's failure to act on reports of Nassar's behavior allowed him to abuse more girls and women, leading to a push for damages totaling around $1 billion. Nassar is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes.
Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and advocate, has filed a notice of intent to sue Michigan State University's former head football coach, Mel Tucker, and the school for $75 million over allegations of sexual harassment and mishandling of her claims. Tracy alleges that Tucker sexually harassed her and that the school failed to properly investigate her claims. She also claims that her identity was inappropriately leaked to the media, leading to threats against her and her family. Tucker denies the allegations, stating that their relationship was mutual and private. Tracy, who founded the non-profit "Set The Expectation," intends to file two separate suits for damages.
Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, has filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis, alleging sexual abuse and trafficking. Her lawyer describes the abuse as "in its own class of depravity," including forced sex with WWE icons, defecation during a threesome, and aggressive use of sex toys named after wrestling stars. McMahon has denied the allegations, but announced his resignation as executive chairman of WWE's parent company. TKO Group Holdings, the parent company, is taking the allegations seriously and addressing them internally.
Former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a federal lawsuit accusing Vince McMahon and another former executive of sexual misconduct, alleging that McMahon forced her into a sexual relationship for employment, passed around explicit material of her, and offered her to a star wrestler for sex. The lawsuit also names WWE and John Laurinaitis as defendants. TKO Group, WWE's parent company, stated that they are taking the allegations seriously and addressing the matter internally. Grant is seeking unspecified monetary damages and to have a $3 million nondisclosure agreement voided.
Former WWE employee Janel Grant has filed a lawsuit accusing Vince McMahon, the company's founder, of sexual assault, trafficking, and physical abuse. The lawsuit alleges that McMahon promised job opportunities at WWE in exchange for sex, and also includes allegations of trafficking to other men within and outside the company. McMahon has denied the allegations, and WWE's parent company, TKO Group Holdings, stated that McMahon does not oversee day-to-day operations at WWE. The lawsuit implicates not only McMahon but also the WWE organization as a whole, prompting questions about a previous investigation into alleged misconduct by McMahon.
A former WWE staffer has filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment, alleging rape, sex trafficking, and battery, while also suing former WWE Head of Talent Relations and General Manager John Laurinaitis for sexual assault. McMahon and TKO Group Holdings have denied the allegations, stating that the lawsuit is filled with lies and that they are addressing the matter internally. The lawsuit includes explicit and disturbing details of alleged vile behavior and violence, with the plaintiff seeking unspecified damages and a declaratory judgment that the non-disclosure agreement is void and unenforceable.
Former WWE employee Janel Grant has filed a lawsuit against the company, Vince McMahon, and a former executive, alleging abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking. The lawsuit accuses McMahon of coercing Grant into a physical relationship in exchange for promised employment, and later sharing explicit material of her with others. Grant claims she was sexually assaulted by McMahon and the former executive, and that WWE facilitated the abuse. McMahon's spokesperson denies the allegations, while the lawsuit seeks to void a nondisclosure agreement and obtain compensatory and punitive damages.
A Tennessee woman has filed a federal lawsuit accusing James Dolan, chairman of Madison Square Garden and governor of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, of pressuring her into unwanted sex and facilitating an encounter with Harvey Weinstein, who she also claims sexually assaulted her. Dolan and Weinstein deny the allegations, with Dolan's attorney dismissing them as retaliation and stating there is compelling evidence to back up their position. The NBA commissioner has addressed the lawsuit, saying he will wait for more information, while the lawyer for the accuser criticizes the response and calls for a fair and unbiased investigation by both the NBA and NHL commissioners.
