USA Gymnastics Opens ‘Independent Review' on Sex Abuse Scandal

USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for the sport, has hired an attorney to lead an "independent review" of its handling of sexual abuse cases amid allegations it turned a blind eye to misconduct, NBC News reported.

The organization, which selects gymnasts for the Olympics and World Championships teams, has been named in two lawsuits filed by ex-athletes who allege they were molested by former team doctor Larry Nassar.

In addition, an investigation by the Indianapolis Star newspaper in August reported that top USA Gymnastics executives repeatedly failed to tell authorities about sexual abuse accusations against coaches. At the time, USA Gymnastics called the newspaper report "one-sided and anchored in a mischaracterization" of its approach to sexual misconduct, saying it "takes action" when it suspects abuse.

USA Gymnastics has also defended its handling of the Nassar matter, saying it fired him and reported "athlete concerns" to the FBI in 2015.

Since then, at least two dozen complaints of sexual abuse have been lodged against Nassar, who denies wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.  

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