California – The University of Southern California (USC) has agreed to pay more than US$1bn (£730m) to patients treated by a former campus gynaecologist accused of sexual abuse.
It is the biggest sex abuse-linked pay-out in higher education history.
George Tyndall was arrested in 2019 and charged with sexually assaulting 16 female patients, allegations he denies.
More than 350 women have spoken out about their experiences as patients of the gynaecologist.
Tyndall, now 74, is awaiting trial. In a 2019 statement he said he “remains adamant” he would be “totally exonerated”.
Lawyers for a final group of 710 women suing the university told a judge at the Los Angeles Superior Court they had settled their claims for $852m.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain experienced by these valued members of the USC community,” USC President Carol Folt said in a statement.
“We appreciate the courage of all who came forward and hope this much-needed resolution provides some relief to the women.”
This is the biggest payment of its kind. Michigan State University previously paid US$500m in connection with Larry Nasser’s sexual abuse of gymnasts and others, while Penn State settled claims related to Jerry Sandusky’s sexual abuse for more than $109m.
What’s the background?
The case arose after the Los Angeles Times published accounts from former and current employees about Tyndall’s alleged sexual misconduct as a gynaecologist.
Hundreds of women came forward to report misconduct by Tyndall, according to police, though not all cases met the requirements for charges.
The women claimed he made lewd comments, photographed and groped them during medical examinations. (BBC)
