US Gymnasts Criticize FBI's Investigation of Larry Nassar at Senate Hearing

Four top U.S. gymnasts testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday about the FBI’s investigation of former national team doctor Larry Nassar, who is serving the equivalent of a life sentence for multiple sex crimes. Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Maggie Nichols called for accountability and said that FBI agents had falsified statements, delayed interviews after complaints, failed to properly report and investigate sexual assault allegations, failed to properly document evidence, and knowingly allowed Nassar to continue abusing minors. The gymnasts often cited a Justice Department OIG report from July on the FBI’s investigation. Days before the hearing, the FBI fired the agent involved in Maroney’s case. FBI Director Christopher Wray also testified at the hearing and apologized for the FBI’s “inexcusable” mishandling of the investigation. 

Most outlets across the spectrum prominently featured this story on Wednesday evening. Coverage was broadly balanced and supportive of the gymnasts regardless of the outlet’s bias rating. Coverage tended to focus primarily on one of the gymnasts, usually Simone Biles. Sensationalist language was also common, including “scathing,” “explosive” and “gut-wrenching.”