WATCH: Aly Raisman Faces Alleged Abuser Larry Nassar in Court Hearing: ‘It’s Your Turn to Listen’
January 19, 2018Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman delivered a powerful victim impact statement on Friday during the final day of former team USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse sentencing hearing.
The 23-year-old athlete initially announced that she would not attend the hearing, but showed up to Michigan’s Ingham County Circuit Courtroom, embraced fellow gymnast Jordyn Weiber and directly addressed Nassar, who she accused of molesting her on several occasions.
“The tables have turned, Larry. We are here. We have our voices, and we are not going anywhere. And now, Larry, It’s your turn to listen to me,” Raisman said, according to WCVB.
“You never healed me. You took advantage of our passions and our dreams. Imagine feeling like you have no power, and no voice. Well you know what Larry, I have my power and my voice, and I will use them.”
Jae C. Hong/AP
More than 130 women and girls have accused Nassar, 54, of assault, including gymnasts Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas. Nassar pleaded guilty in November to several counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Raisman spoke out about the alleged abuse earlier this year during an emotional interview with 60 Minutes. She alleged that Nassar often touched her inappropriately and made her feel uncomfortable. She has since used her platform to speak out against sexual abuse and call for Nassar to be held responsible for the molestation.
“Larry, you abused the power and trust I and so many others placed in you, and I am not sure I will ever come to terms with how horribly you manipulated and violated me,” Raisman said in her statement on Friday.
“I am here to face you, Larry, so you can see I’ve regained my strength, that I’m no longer a victim. I’m a survivor. I am no longer that little girl you met in Australia, where you first began grooming and manipulating.”
Salute to @Aly_Raisman!