(Photo: Graeme Jennings-Pool/Getty Images)
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles called for those who allowed the sexual abuse by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar to be held accountable as she testified in tears Wednesday in front of Congress about Nassar’s abuse.
Biles, who is considered the world’s greatest gymnast, said the abuse happened because organizations created by congress “failed to do their jobs,” according to NBC News. The testimony comes after a report from the U.S Dept. of Justice Inspector General detailed the FBI’s mishandling of the case.
In 2017, Nassar pleaded guilty to abusing 10 of more than 265 women and girls who have said they were molested, including Biles. He is serving up to 175 years in prison.
Biles felt the FBI “turned a blind eye to us.”
“We suffered and continue to suffer, because no one at FBI, USAG (USA Gymnastics) or the USOPC (United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee) did what was necessary to protect us,” she said. “We have been failed and we deserve answers. Nassar is where he belongs, but those who enabled him deserve to be held accountable. If they are not, I am convinced that this will continue to happen to others across Olympic sports.”
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said multiple FBI agents in FBI offices “neglected to share” allegations against Nassar with other law enforcement officials.
“This gap in the law allowed Nassar to evade federal prosecution for assaulting children while traveling abroad, and that can never happen again,” Grassley said, adding that he is working on legislation to close a loophole in a sex tourism statute highlighted in the inspector general report.
The Senate Judiciary Committee also heard testimony from Olympic gymnasts McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols and Aly Raisman.
FBI Director Christopher Wray is expected to testify and detail changes that have been made to make sure future investigations are conducted properly.