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Olympic medalist Aly Raisman joins other Nassar victims on day four of sentencing hearing

Aly Raisman
Emma Winowiecki
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Michigan Radio
Aly Raisman gives her victim impact statement in Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing Friday, January 19.

Today is the fourth day of a sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar, the former Michigan State University sports doctor charged with sexually assaulting young girls and women under the guise of medical treatment.

The hearing is giving more than a hundred victims a chance to make statements to Nassar in the court. Among them today was Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman.

Here’s what she said:

“Over those 30 years when survivors came forward, adult after adult, many in positions of authority, protected you, telling each survivor it was okay – that you weren’t abusing them. In fact, many adults had you convince the survivors that they were being dramatic or had been mistaken. This is like being violated all over again.”

Reporter Kate Wells has been in the hearing room today. She joined Stateside to bring us the latest.

Listen above.

More photos and statements from Friday: 

Megan Ginter and Katherine Gordon
Credit Emma Winowiecki / Michigan Radio
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Michigan Radio
Megan Ginter and Katherine Gordon hug while supporting one another during their victim impact statements.

"I will learn to view the abuse as something that's given me strength...I am no longer the humiliated child I once was. I'm a brave young woman," Megan Ginter said while embracing her friend Katherine Gordon, who also gave a statement. 

Doug Powell with daughter Kassie Powell.
Credit Emma Winowiecki / Michigan Radio
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Michigan Radio
Doug Powell with daughter Kassie Powell.

"I find myself on familiar, yet disturbingly unfamiliar, ground today," Doug Powell, father of Kassie Powell and an undersheriff in Shiawasee County said. "Inmate Nassar. That's what your name is. And don't you forget that...your name is not doctor. It's inmate."

Kaylee McDowell
Credit Emma Winowiecki / Michigan Radio
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Michigan Radio
Kaylee McDowell

"You and I had a very 'special' bond...I believed you, because you believed in me," said Kaylee McDowell, whose abuse started when she was 12. "You had an ownership over me, and over all of us, under the white hospital sheets. I trusted you with my life. [...]

"You have gotten me down, but I will not stay down. I will rise higher. You will fall, Larry," she laughed. "You will fall down into your grave. That's all I have to say."

Jordyn Wieber
Credit Emma Winowiecki / Michigan Radio
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Michigan Radio
Jordyn Wieber

"Larry Nassar is accountable. U.S. Olympic Committee is accountable...and now it's time for change, because the future gymnasts do not deserve to live in fear. Thank you," Jordyn Wieber said.

Kara and Maddie Johnson
Credit Emma Winowiecki / Michigan Radio
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Michigan Radio

"You had your eyes closed, and continued to molest me," high school senior Kara Johnson told Larry Nassar. "You smacked my butt, said 'Alright, we're done here, sweetie.'" She was 13.  

"You made me afraid of the world," Madeline Johnson told Nassar. "After today, I will no longer suffer...You will no longer deprive me of life."

Morgan McCaul
Credit Emma Winowiecki / Michigan Radio
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Michigan Radio

"You are merely a symptom of the sickness that plagues the very core of Michigan State University," said dancer Morgan McCaul. She and other victims criticized the university, and called for President Lou Anna Simon to resign.

Larry Nassar
Credit Emma Winowiecki / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio

Nassar broke down during Trenea Gonzcar's statement. Gonzcar has known Nassar for over 30 years. "I hope you cry like we cry. I hope you feel bad for what you've done. I hope...everyday these girls can feel less pain. But this is goodbye to you, Larry," Gonzcar told him.

(Subscribe to the Stateside podcast on iTunes, Google Play, or with this RSS link)

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Doug Powell was retired from law enforcement.

 

Kate Wells is a Peabody Award-winning journalist currently covering public health. She was a 2023 Pulitzer Prize finalist for her abortion coverage.
Stateside is produced daily by a dedicated group of producers and production assistants. Listen daily, on-air, at 3 and 8 p.m., or subscribe to the daily podcast wherever you like to listen.
Jodi is Michigan Public's Director of Digital Audiences, leading and developing the station’s overall digital strategy.
Emma is a communications specialist with the digital team at Michigan Radio. She works across all departments at Michigan Radio, with a hand in everything from digital marketing and fundraising to graphic design and website maintenance. She also produces the station's daily newsletter, The Michigan Radio Beat.
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