Simone Biles Opens Up About Sharing Her Story as a Larry Nassar Survivor: A Journey of Healing
Delve into Simone Biles' reflections on the impact of speaking out as a survivor of Larry Nassar, highlighting the emotional journey towards healing and empowerment.
Simone Biles Explains Why She Came Forward as a Victim of Larry Nassar: It Was 'So Traumatizing'
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Simone Biles, who bravely spoke out in 2018 about being a victim of sexual abuse by former Team USA doctor Larry Nassar, is now looking back on her decision to share her past trauma.
During an interview on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast released on April 17, the 27-year-old gymnast expressed, “A lot of people follow me. A lot of people go on my platforms, and I’ve always been an open and honest book from the very beginning. I’ve always decided I’m not going to let anything ever change me because this is who I am. So, take it or leave it.”
Biles decided to share her story about Nassar, 60, in order to potentially help others. However, this was not a decision she took lightly.
She mentioned, "If I can shed light on this issue, then I will do so. But I needed to make sure I was in a good place and had the right support before speaking out, as the experience was very traumatizing. I still can't believe how I managed to cope and put on a brave face during those difficult times."
Nassar served as a doctor for Team USA gymnastics and Michigan State University before facing state sexual assault charges. In December 2016, he was charged with 22 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving minors and later admitted guilt to all charges.
Simone Biles Explains Why She Came Forward as a Victim of Larry Nassar: It Was 'So Traumatizing'
Simone Biles spoke at a Senate Judiciary hearing in Washington, DC, discussing the FBI's handling of the Larry Nassar investigation into sexual abuse of Olympic gymnasts. The hearing took place on September 15, 2021.
Following the investigation, the FBI found child pornography on Nassar's computer hard drives. He tried to get rid of the evidence but was eventually arrested on federal charges. In 2017, Nassar pleaded guilty to receiving and possessing child pornography, as well as tampering with evidence. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Nassar later admitted guilt to seven counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving minors. During his sentencing hearing in January 2018, some of Nassar's victims shared impact statements. Among them was Biles, who revealed her own experience in a lengthy social media post.
In her message, Biles stated, "I am no longer afraid to share my story. I, too, am one of the many survivors who was sexually abused by Larry Nassar." She expressed her previous doubts, wondering if she was at fault. But she now knows the truth - it was not her fault. She refuses to carry the guilt that rightfully belongs to Nassar, USAG (USA Gymnastics), and others.
Simone Biles Explains Why She Came Forward as a Victim of Larry Nassar: It Was 'So Traumatizing'
Larry Nassar appears in court on January 16, 2018 in Lansing, Michigan. Scott Olson/Getty Images
Nassar was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison during his initial hearing in Lansing, Michigan. In a separate sentencing hearing in Eaton County, Michigan in February 2018, he received an additional 40 to 125 years behind bars.
Reflecting on her career, Biles revealed that she had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression before sharing her experience with Nassar. Dealing with mental health issues had a significant impact on how she coped with the trauma from her past.
"It was really tough to get out of bed and do anything. Everything just felt so heavy, like it was the end of the world. I spent many nights crying and unable to sleep," she shared. "It was like I was carrying a burden of guilt that wasn't even mine to bear. It was a difficult thing for me to come to terms with."
After seeking ongoing therapy, Biles has come to realize that she doesn't need to carry that guilt. She has also acknowledged that her past trauma may have contributed to the mental health challenges she faced during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
She continued, "I feel a lot better now and I am comfortable. I can have conversations and do things I enjoy. I have good days and bad days, but I understand that they do not determine who I am."
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
