Touching photo shows Aly Raisman supporting Simone Biles as US gymnasts deliver harrowing testimony about the FBI investigation into Larry Nassar
Graeme Jennings/Pool via AP
- Simone Biles took the stand to testify about Larry Nassar's abuse and the failings of the FBI.
- An FBI agent was fired for ignoring tips regarding Nassar's abuse for 17 months, Insider reported.
- "I blame Larry Nassar," Biles said. "And I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse."
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A touching photo shows gymnasts Aly Raisman and Simone Biles holding hands during a Wednesday Senate hearing.
Four top gymnasts - Biles, McKayla Maroney, Maggie Nichols, and Raisman - appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday to testify about the FBI's handling of the Larry Nassar case.
Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics doctor who is currently in prison, was found guilty on multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct in 2018 and sentenced to up to 175 years in prison. He was accused by hundreds of women and girls of sexual abuse under the guise of medical treatment.
The gymnasts testified that the FBI - along with Congress, USA Gymnastics, and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee - didn't offer them adequate protection, therefore allowing Nassar's abuse.
An FBI agent was fired for ignoring, and lying about, Maroney's claim about Nassar's abuse for 17 months, Insider previously reported.
"Enough is enough," said Biles as she addressed Congress. "The scars of this horrific abuse continue to live with us. As the lone competitor in the recent Tokyo Games, I can assure you that the impact of this man's abuse are not over or forgotten."
Nassar was also sentenced to 60 years in prison for child pornography charges in a 2017 case.
"To be clear, I blame Larry Nassar," the gymnast added. "And I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated his abuse."
You can view the clip of Simone Bile's statement here:
-ABC News (@ABC) September 15, 2021