Judge Rosemarie Aquilina Reflects on a Decade of Inaction After Nassar Abuse Scandal
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina discusses the lasting impact of Larry Nassar's sexual abuse case and why systemic change in gymnastics remains limited ten years later.
During a conversation at the gymnastics world championships, U.S. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina reflected on her role in sentencing former team doctor Larry Nassar to decades in prison after a 2018 trial that expanded from 26 to 156 alleged victims. Aquilina emphasized her practice of allowing both victims and the accused to speak, viewing it as essential to healing. She acknowledged criticism that she was not neutral toward Nassar, defending her stance as a response to the survivors' anger.
While the Me-Too movement amplified the case, Aquilina believes the scandal exposed a deeper, systemic problem across schools, churches and scouting organizations that has seen little progress. She lamented the lack of legislative action, noting that lawmakers often only act when the issue touches their own families. The judge continues to receive daily contacts from survivors, underscoring the ongoing relevance of the case.
Why it matters
The interview highlights persistent systemic abuse in gymnastics and the slow pace of legal and cultural reforms.
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