A total of 152 women and girls have addressed the court, describing how sexual abuse at the hands of ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar changed their lives.
Day six of the sentencing brought victim impact statements from 28 survivors.
Day 6 of Nassar sentencing: Victim statement count up to 152
Ex-MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar is escorted out of the courtroom at the end of the sixth day of his sentencing on Jan. 23, 2018 at the Ingham County Circuit Court in Lansing. (Nic Antaya | The State News)
"I'm here because I and every women that says #MeToo need to know the shame rests on our abusers, not ourselves," Christina Barba said.
A message of resilience echoed through the statements Tuesday.
"I will never let this break me, I am strong," Brooke Hylek said.
Hylek added she plans to become a collegiate gymnast and will not let Nassar destroy her love for the sport.
"I have found the courage and realized I am not a victim," Anna Dayton said. "I'm here to take back my power and relinquish yours."
Another survivor, Emily Morales, told Nassar she believes in forgiveness and decided to forgive him. She asked him to apologize for the abuse.
"I'm sorry," Nassar said, one of the few times he spoke during the sentencing.
Outside of the courthouse, close to 50 people waited with signs in support of the survivors. As the survivors walked by, they thanked them for having the courage to speak up.
Judge Rosemarie Aquilina said she expects Nassar's sentence to be given Wednesday morning.
To catch up on all of day six, click here.
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