Gymnast Aly Raisman Says FBI Agent Downplayed Her Abuse When Reporting Accused Larry Nassar

Retired Olympian Aly Raisman detailed the events of her abuse case investigation with one of the FBI agents and revealed he suggested she drop the case against the accused.

In a recent video interview with "Today" co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb, Aly Raisman called for an independent investigation into the mishandling of the sexual abuse case against Larry Nassar by the FBI and other organizations.

Two unnamed FBI agents who were involved in the case, one retired, and the other fired after the news of their misconduct regarding the case, came to light.

FBI INVESTIGATION

Raisman recounted how one of the agents continuously diminished her reports of abuse after sharing similar stories during her testimony on Wednesday, September 15.

The 27-year-old, along with three other elite gymnasts, including Simone Biles, Maggie Nichols, and McKayla Maroney, testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Together, the ladies denounced the FBI for failing to investigate the sexual abuse accusations against Nassar with seriousness and urgency.

Raisman revealed her accusations against Nassar were not taken seriously. She said when she went into graphic detail about her ordeal to an FBI agent, she lacked support from him, stating:

“The agent kept diminishing my abuse and telling me that he didn’t feel like it was that big of a deal and maybe I should drop the case."

NASSAR’S SENTENCING

Her abuser, Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics team doctor, was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison back in 2018. His sentencing came after more than 150 victims accused him of sexual abuse that spanned over two decades.

Recalling back to the investigation by the FBI, Raisman said it was not a good experience and that listening to fellow gymnast Maroney’s testimony was gut-wrenching.

SUPPORTIVE SENATORS

In addition, the Massachusetts native said she and her teammates are thankful that senators at the hearing gave them validation and supported them as Nassar's victims.

With that said, she hopes they will finally act as she and her peers want answers. Raisman wants the senators to get the ball rolling on their investigations dating back to 2015 and 2016.

FBI DIRECTOR

FBI Director Christopher Wray also testified, saying he had no explanation for the agents' actions at the two offices where they were previously based. Wray assured the bureau is currently taking steps to ensure that history does not repeat itself.

Meanwhile, Raisman has an upcoming Lifetime documentary titled "Aly Raisman: Darkness to Light,” where she and other sexual abuse survivors will share their stories.