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Former U.S. gymnast claims she was abused by team doctor, coaches in lawsuit

Singapore SEA Games Organising Committee / Action Images

A civil lawsuit alleging sexual and physical abuse was filed by a former U.S. gymnast against Dr. Larry Nassar, a team doctor for USA Gymnastics, according to ESPN.

The unidentified victim claims she was sexually assaulted by Nassar and physically abused by her coaches, Bela and Marta Karolyi, and that USA Gymnastics had "wide-ranging knowledge" of the situation and allowed it to continue.

Nassar was accused of sexual abuse and sued by two additional former gymnasts in September.

The suit was filed in California and alleges the abuse occurred at the U.S. women's national team's training facility in Huntsville, Texas.

ESPN has graphic details of the alleged abuse by Nassar, with additional details about the Karolyis:

The lawsuit further accuses Bela and Marta Karolyi of:

  • Striking the gymnasts, scratching them until they bled and encouraging parents to hit their children.

  • Depriving gymnasts of food and water and searching the gymnasts' rooms to find and confiscate hidden food.

  • Screaming obscenities at the gymnasts; telling them that they were fat; and requiring them to strip to their underwear so that their physical appearance could be judged in front of their peers.

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