FBI director Christopher Wray on Wednesday apologized to U.S. gymnasts abused by Olympic Team USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar for agency’s mishandling of the investigation.
Driving the news: Wray made the comments after four gymnasts — McKayla Maroney, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and Maggie Nichols — testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee and detailed how the FBI mishandled their reports.
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Maroney told panel that the FBI “chose to lie about what” she said about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Larry Nassar and “protect a serial child molester rather than protect, not only me, but countless others.”
What they’re saying: “I am deeply and profoundly sorry to each and every one of you,” Wray said while testifying before the committee.
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“I am sorry that so many people let you down over and over again and I am especially sorry that there were people at the FBI who had their own chance to stop this monster back in 2015 and failed, and that is inexcusable, it never should have happened, and we are doing everything in our power to make sure it never happens again,” he added.
The big picture: The hearing follows a report released in July that highlights the FBI’s failures to properly investigate the allegations against Nassar, who is serving 40–175 years in prison for sexually abusing young athletes.
Maroney, one of the over 160 girls and women who accused Nassar of sexual abuse, told the…
