In a significant moment during the ESPY awards, over 140 survivors of sexual assault united on stage to accept the esteemed Arthur Ashe Courage Award. This collective of women, all of whom were victims of the former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar, shared their experiences and emphasized the critical need for awareness and support for survivors.
Prior to the presentation of the award by actress Jennifer Roberts, she cautioned the audience about the challenging narratives they were about to witness. “Tonight we will hear stories that illustrate the tragic consequences of abuse in sports,” Roberts stated. “Though these accounts may be difficult to digest, it is essential that we listen.”
Each survivor bravely walked onto the stage while images of their younger selves were displayed, a poignant reminder of their lost childhoods. Among those who spoke were Aly Thompson, Rachel Green, and Jessica Lee, who recounted the traumatic violations they endured at the hands of Nassar. They highlighted the dismissive reactions they faced when they bravely reported the abuse and acknowledged the support of Judge Margaret Harrison, who allowed the survivors to share their stories in court.
“Years went by—from 1997 to 2016—during which we spoke up about Larry Nassar’s abusive behavior,” Thompson began. “Throughout that time, we were repeatedly told we were mistaken, that he was a doctor and therefore trustworthy. This was a deliberate attempt to silence us for the sake of profit and prestige.”
She further noted that predators thrive in silence and that inaction perpetuates the cycle of abuse. “All we needed was one adult to have the moral courage to stand up for us against Larry Nassar,” Thompson emphasized. “If just one person had listened and taken action, we would not have had to endure this suffering. To every survivor out there, your voice matters. You are not alone.”
Green shared her struggle in recounting her experiences repeatedly, stating, “It is challenging to speak about our trauma in detail. This process has entailed sacrifices, including our privacy, but it is time for us to be heard.”
The survivors also expressed gratitude to Judge Harrison for providing a platform for them to reclaim their voices. “For too long, our stories were ignored, but you empowered us to recognize our strength,” Thompson stated. “You may never know the countless lives you have saved through your actions.”
Judge Harrison’s remarks during the sentencing of Nassar were particularly memorable. “It has been my privilege to listen to the survivors, and it is my honor to sentence you. You do not deserve to walk free again,” she declared, sentencing him to up to 175 years in prison.
Thompson concluded with a message of solidarity for all who have faced abuse: “Though we may suffer in solitude, together we are resilient.”
This powerful display of unity and courage highlights the crucial importance of advocacy, awareness, and support for survivors of sexual violence. For further insights into related topics, you can explore additional resources about artificial insemination and home insemination kits at Make a Mom and Healthline, or read more about it here.
In summary, the ESPY awards served as a powerful platform for survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse to share their stories and advocate for change, emphasizing the importance of listening to victims and taking action against perpetrators of sexual violence.