© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

"Don't forget us." Final victim statements at Nassar sentencing offer some closure.

The father of survivor Katie Black weeps as his daughter speaks.
Jodi Westrick
/
Michigan Radio
The father of survivor Katie Black weeps as his daughter speaks. "My dad blames himself," she said. "He feels overwhelmingly guilty."

The second day of the Larry Nassar sentencing in Eaton County got off to a turbulent start when an angry father of three victims lunged at the former sports doctor.

After a brief break to calm the chaos, Judge Janice Cunningham addressed the nervous crowd:

"This is such a unique case that involves hundreds of victims, and therefore hundreds of family members, brothers, sisters, spouses, friends. And to have watched the pain and the suffering of what loved ones have gone through is [unimaginable]...So if it is hard and difficult for me to hear what [Randall Margraves'] daughters have to say, I can't imagine what it is like for a parent."

The prosecutor says that as of Friday morning, 265 women and girls have reported abuse by Nassar, and more than 175 of those survivors have given statements before the court the past two weeks.

More photos and statements from Friday's sentencing:

Ashley Erickson
Credit Jodi Westrick / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio

Ashley Erickson (middle) grasps her parents' hands. "Our job as parents is to protect our children," said her mother Lynn. "I've failed my daughter."

Katie Black
Credit Jodi Westrick / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio

"You ruined my sport, my body, and you ruined me," Katie Black said to Nassar. But, she added,"I don't hate you when I look at you." Black said she only feels a sense of loss, and anger over the guilt felt by her father.

Kathleen Lovellette
Credit Jodi Westrick / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio

Kathleen Lovellette used to be a proud Spartan, she said. "Today I am sad to be a Spartan." She doubts the sincerity of MSU officials in their apologies since it took so long for them to acknowledge Nassar's abuse.  

"I hope women will see how important it is to speak up," said Lovellette. "If they ignore you, tell someone else." 

Larissa Boyce
Credit Jodi Westrick / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio

Larissa Boyce was one of the first to report abuse by Nassar in 1997, before many of his victims were even born. She said she is praying for anyone that enabled Nassar to carry on his abuse for so long, but added that they have a second chance to make a difference.

And as for the hundreds of survivors?

"Don't forget us."

Lindsey Smith is a Peabody Award-winning journalist currently leading the station's Amplify Team. She previously served as Michigan Public's Morning News Editor, Investigative Reporter and West Michigan Reporter.
Jodi is Michigan Public's Director of Digital Audiences, leading and developing the station’s overall digital strategy.
Emma is a communications specialist with the digital team at Michigan Radio. She works across all departments at Michigan Radio, with a hand in everything from digital marketing and fundraising to graphic design and website maintenance. She also produces the station's daily newsletter, The Michigan Radio Beat.
Related Content