WASHINGTON – The US Justice Department said on April 23 it would pay US$138.7 million (S$188.6 million) to resolve claims by young women and girls, including many top female gymnasts, of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.

The far-reaching settlement, which covers 139 claims, stems from the failure of FBI officials to promptly investigate allegations that would ultimately lead to a horrifying conclusion – Nassar had sexually assaulted hundreds of women and girls under the guise of examinations and treatment.

It likely signals the end of a yearslong effort by the gymnasts – including Olympic gold medalists Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney and Aly Raisman – to achieve a measure of justice in the courtroom.

It also reflects public recognition that the institutions entrusted to protect young female athletes failed to protect them.

Lawyers for the young women hailed the settlement, which brings total civil payouts associated with Nassar to about US$1 billion. But they cast the government’s monetary compensation for its early reluctance to fully investigate Nassar as a case of too little, too late.

“These women were assaulted because of the FBI’s failure, and there is no amount of money that will make them whole again,” said Mick Grewal, a lawyer for 44 of the claimants, including one who died by suicide.