The former doctor of the United States Gymnastics Federation, Larry Nassar, pleaded guilty to seven charges of sexual abuse out of at least 120 that have been revealed in recent months, including well-known gymnasts.
"To everyone involved, I apologize terribly," said 54-year-old Nassar during a hearing in Ingham County, Michigan. The doctor admitted to abusing seven women, six of whom were gymnasts, when they were still minors.
"This was like a match that turned into a forest fire, out of control. I pray every day to ask for forgiveness... I want them to heal. I want this community to heal. I have nothing against anyone, I want healing. It is time," Nassar added.
During the televised hearing on CBS, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina explained to Nassar that by admitting guilt, he could face at least 25 years in prison. The sentence will be announced on January 12th.
"You used that position of trust you had in the most vile way: to abuse girls. I agree that now is a time for healing, but it could take them a lifetime, while you spend your life behind bars thinking about what you took from them by robbing them of their childhood," Aquilina said.
Gymnasts like Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Jamie Dantzscher, Jessica Howard, and Jeanette Antolin, all Olympic medalists, have accused the former Federation doctor of abusing them when they were between 13 and 16 years old.
In response to the wave of accusations, the American Gymnastics Federation has expressed support for its athletes and removed then-president Steve Penny from his position earlier this year.
In a statement published today, one day after Douglas, the first African-American to win an individual gold medal in gymnastics, revealed that she was also a victim of Nassar, the Federation described the former doctor's behavior as "horrific."
"The conduct Larry Nassar is accused of is horrific, and we deeply regret that any athlete has suffered harm during their gymnastics career," the statement read, also expressing its interest in working with athletes, parents, and coaches to "promote an environment that encourages empowerment to speak up."
Finally, the organization stated that they have taken "specific and concrete steps to prevent abuse in the future by adopting the Safe Sport Policy, hiring a new president and CEO, and implementing a comprehensive education plan."