The Associated Press reported that McMillan told prison employees he attacked Nassar after Nassar allegedly made a lewd remark while they were watching a women’s match at Wimbledon.
According to the source, Nassar made a comment about wanting to see girls playing in the match.
That alleged explanation received widespread attention because it appeared connected to Nassar’s history of sexually abusing girls and young women.
However, the motive should be presented with attribution.
It came from a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation publicly. It was not a finding announced after a public trial, and McMillan’s statement was not independently recorded in the article.
The careful formulation is therefore:
A source told the Associated Press that the suspected attacker said a lewd comment by Nassar provoked the assault.
It would be less accurate to state the motive as an undisputed fact.
Who Is Larry Nassar?
Larry Nassar was a physician who worked with Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, including athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.
Under the guise of medical treatment, he sexually abused girls and young women over many years. Survivors included recreational and collegiate athletes as well as Olympic gymnasts.
His position as a trusted doctor gave him access to patients and allowed his conduct to continue even after concerns had been raised.
Nassar eventually pleaded guilty to state sexual-assault charges and federal offenses involving child sexual abuse material.
In 2017, a federal court sentenced him to 60 years in prison. In 2018, he received a Michigan sentence of 40 to 175 years for sexual assaults. A separate Michigan proceeding produced an additional sentence of 40 to 125 years.
The sentences effectively ensure that Nassar will spend the remainder of his life in custody.
The scale of his abuse became publicly visible during sentencing hearings in which more than 150 women and girls delivered or submitted statements describing what he had done and how institutions failed to stop him.
The Prison Attack Was Not Part of His Sentence
Nassar’s convictions and sentences are the lawful punishment imposed for his crimes. Being stabbed by another prisoner was not.
That distinction can be difficult to discuss because of the extraordinary harm Nassar inflicted and the justified anger felt by survivors and the public.
Nevertheless, the rule of law does not permit unofficial violence as an additional sentence.
When the government confines someone, it assumes responsibility for maintaining reasonably safe and humane conditions. This principle applies even to people convicted of extremely serious offenses.
It is possible to hold two ideas simultaneously:
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Nassar deserved the severe legal sentences imposed for his crimes.
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Prison officials still had a duty to protect him from being attacked by another inmate.