Epstein Accusers’ Lawyer Sees Precedent in Nassar Settlement, Calling for Government Accountability

Attorney Jordan Merson, who represents Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers, believes that the $138.7 million settlement between victims of Larry Nassar and the FBI could pave the way for similar lawsuits against the government in relation to their failure to act on sexual assault allegations against disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Merson stated that while a previous lawsuit, filed by twelve anonymous accusers over failures relating to Epstein’s alleged crimes, is still pending, his firm now represents thirty women who have been affected by the case. The settlement in relation to Nassar could set an important precedent as it requires government agencies or employees to be held accountable for failing to act on such serious matters, rather than just being penalized over violations of civil rights laws. Former FBI agent Nicole Parker also believes that this decision will benefit Epstein’s accusers due to the similarities between Nassar and Epstein cases in terms of governmental failure to take action against sexual predators within their organizations or circles. However, it should be noted that there are some differences as Larry Nassar was convicted for his crimes while Jeffrey Epstein died before going on trial. Nevertheless, Merson remains hopeful about the future success of the lawsuits over the handling by government officials relating to sex-trafficking allegations against Epstein dating back to the 1990s as he believes that FBI Director Christopher Wray was ordered by Senate Judiciary Committee to accept responsibility for sexual abuse survivors.