Stephens was the first of nearly 100 women who are expected to provide victim-impact statements during the four-day hearing. As time passed, the Nassars began pressuring Stephens into babysitting their children, she said. She said she finally told her parents when she was 12 years old that Nassar had been allegedly abusing her, but Nassar denied the allegations. LARA's investigations are "strictly focused" on whether a license-holder has violated the Michigan public health code, a spokesman said. On Tuesday, while testifying, Stephens said, You convinced my parents that I was a liar.. Tiffany Thomas Lopez, a former MSU softball players who says she was molested by Nassar during treatments for sports injuries in 1999 and 2000, said she complained to Teachnor-Hauk that Nassar's treatments seemed inappropriate. On the first day of sentencing Kyle Stephens, who blames Nassar for her father's suicide, revealed how he repeatedly abused her between the ages of six and 12 at her family home. Propose sexual-abuse prevention curriculum for your school. She told the court how Nassar pleasured himself in front of her, rubbed his penis on her bare skin and violated her vagina at her house in Holt, near Lansing. She was 64. Norma leaves her daughter, Kyle Stephens and her wife, Janice Kwasniak, of Wakefield, RI; her daughter-in-law, Judy Stephens of Enfield . Dick Backus. "Sitting on my living room couch I listened to you tell me that no one should ever do that, and if they do, you should tell someone. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. And I don't have to feel guilty that I didn't do something about it., Watch the full story on "20/20" as ABC's Elizabeth Vargas sits down with more than 20 accusers THIS FRIDAY at 10 p.m. He is survived by his wife, Heather Marie Stephens; his daughter, Madison Marie Stephens; son, Brandon Kyle Stephens, Jr.; his dad, Michael Eric Stephens, Sr.; mother, Leone Elizabeth Gibson; step father, Marty Shane Gibson; brother, Michael Eric Stephens, Jr.; grandparents, Ann & Peanut Stephens and Lydia Scott; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. In January 2018, Kyle Stephens became the first woman to take the stand against Nassar and tell her harrowing story. These maladaptive behaviors kept me anchored in seemingly endless pain. Aquilina announces her sentence: 40 to 175 years in prison. He was just a close family friend who spent a lot more time playing with children than the other adults did. As a young girl, Kyle was abused by Larry Nassar, a family friend, for six years as her family would visit him every Sunday for dinner. Stephens was the one victim whose abuse occurred outside of Nassar's medical practice. Stephens said that she told her parents, but they did not believe her. Stephens was also a babysitter to Nassars children, and in court, she accused him of rubbing his genitalia on her and digitally penetrating her among other things. Put friendships in front of the truth, fail to create or enforce proper policy and fail to hold enablers accountable. 1. And each day, Rachael Denhollander is there. Survivors who had not yet come forward hear Kyle's words, and begin showing up. hide caption. One she articulated in that courtroom: "How much is a little girl worth? He committed suicide after finding out she was telling the truth. He is survived by his wife Karissa; three children: Connor, Ryker and Ethan; three siblings: Cearra (Josh) Thompson, Kyler Tryon and Cory Stephens; birth father, James Howington, Jr.; birth mother . Ever since the Nassar scandal became public, the school's president and the trustees have insisted that "determined sexual predators" are impossible to stop, or that the survivors were just "ambulance chasers." I have received messages from survivors all over the world detailing their abuse and isolation. But while the family visited Nassar every Sunday in his family home, Nassar would take Kyle and her brother down to the basement to play hide and seek. It is time to take that away from them. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, those who have been sexually abused are four times as likely After years of suffering from the sexual abuse, Kyle told her parents what was happening. His family is thankful for the time they shared with him and the two children he gifted them with. Kyle Stephens, pausing to compose herself during Nassars sentencing hearing in a courtroom in Lansing, Michigan, said the doctor, a family friend, began molesting her when she was 6 years old and her parents did not believe her when she told them. Bekah Snyder works for the prosecutor's office. How it started when she was just 6 years old. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. I isolated myself. This is what it looks like when someone chooses to put their selfish desires above the safety and love for those around them. All-league boys basketball teams in the South Sound for the 2022-23 season, as chosen by coaches. Soon, Nassar began masturbating in front of her, placing his fingers in her vagina, and rubbing his penis on her bare feet, she said in her emotional testimony. At a 2017 court hearing involving the Nassar case, he told the court thatsince his retirement, he suffered a stroke and has experienced memory loss. 1. Nassar pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a child in November 2017. . Kyle Stephens' parents wanted to believe the best in Nassar. Victims were silenced, intimidated, repeatedly told it was medical treatment and even forced to go back for continued sexual assault.". When she was at their home, the family acted as if she never accused Nassar at all. Kyle Stephens was the first woman to speak at the four-day sentencing hearing. They knew this whole case started with her report. And, worried the attention that could come with that, asked for complete anonymity," Kyle . Kyle Stephens blames her father's suicide on the abuse she suffered at the hands of disgraced US gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar Credit: Reuters. By Kyle Stephens. October 27, 2021. ", Kyle Stephens gives her victim impact statement. When I stepped to the microphone in that Michigan courtroom, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina I understand, and that is why I have limited my personal statements. Later, Stephens said her father had apologised to her countless times when discovering the full extent of her abuse. "And that the world would hear her and believe her and the truth would be exposed.". . Oak Harbor. hadnt yet deemed Nassars victims a sisterhood or an army of survivors. And many still lack this support. "Look around the courtroom. greenhill funeral home obituaries. They see only vulnerability, innocence and opportunity. . Nassar bowed his head with closed eyes or looked away as Stephens spoke about the ordeal she allegedly suffered at the hands of the doctor. She said she wants young athletes "to be safe from sexual predators, from this kind of abuse. Facebook gives people the power to. For years, Kyle Stephens has been . They knew they probably wouldn't be here without her. He was born December 1, 1964 in Demopolis, AL to William. And the reason everyone who heard about Larry's abuse did not believe it is because they did not listen. He was the youngest of eight children. My mom says now that she did think, Huh, that's a little weird. But at that time, he just came off as like a guy that just really liked children, and he would always say he was going down to play with us, entertain us and have fun with us, she said. View the profiles of people named Kyle Stephens. She spoke bravely, describing the alleged sexual abuse while trying hard to hold back her tears. Stephens blames her father's suicide on the shame and self-loathing he felt for defending Nassar. Eric was born January 28, 1985, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Ronald . I was always thinking about how I was going to catch him even as a kid, how to clear my name, she said. Stephens said her father committed . Heres why. These are the brave women who confronted disgraced Olympic doctor Larry Nassar. For one week in January 2018, hundreds of women and girls told their stories about Larry Nassar's abuse. More than 150 women and girls have accused Nassar of assault, including gymnasts Aly Raisman, Simone Biles, McKayla Maroney and Gabby Douglas. Larry Nassars accuser, Kyle Stephenswept several times during her testimony against the doctor, who has been accused of sexual abuse by some of the biggest names in U.S. gymnastics. Dylan Farrow Wiki: Her Life, Sexual Abuse, and Fight Against Woody Allen. Nassar has pleaded guilty to molesting females with his hands at his Michigan State University office, his home and a Lansing-area gymnastics club, often while their parents were in the room. Kyle Stephens mentioned he got very sick and believes it was the mixture of him getting sick and hearing that Nassar was being charged. Instead, they told their young daughter to apologise to her abuser. But I still flinch when my feet are near someone's lap.". The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Kyle's mother stands a few steps behind her on her right. Stephens said Nassar first allegedly exposed himself to her in a dark boiler room in the basement of his house when she was 6 years old. At one point, he took off his eyeglasses and dabbed his eyes with a tissue. Michael Stephens Obituary. Brandon was born October 29, 1991 in Fernandina Beach, FL and has been a life-long resident. Stephens said that she told her parents, but they did not believe her. Kyle Stephens You were first arrested on my charges, and now, as the only non-medical victim to come forward, I testify to let the world know that you are a repulsive liar and that those . Masturbated in front of her. She holds the doctor responsible for her fathers premature death. "Sitting on my living room couch I listened to you tell me that no one should ever do that, and if they do, you should tell someone. First, she says: Michigan State University. On Wednesday, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina of Michigans Ingham County Circuit Court sentenced the 54-year-old to up to 175 years in prison. Stephens says t. The place is packed. She told the court that her father had taken his own life when he discovered . Stephens said Nassar convinced her parents she was lying about him hiding "lotion in the basement so you could beat your penis while I hid. Unlike the other victims, Stephens is not an athlete, but has known Nassar for most of her life. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. (Video: Kate Woodsome, Gillian Brockell, Kerri Pang, Jesse Mesner-Hage/The Washington Post). -- When Dr. Larry Nassar was led away in handcuffs after his sentencing hearing, Kyle Stephens, who says he repeatedly abused her as a child during family visits, said she felt . For years, Kyle Stephens has been identified only as "Victim Z.A." or "family friend." But, last week, she stepped out from the cloak of anonymity and gave the first of more than 100 . Once Kyle had been separated from her brother, Nassar would masturbate in front of her. How much is a young woman worth? Stephens asked the judge to ensure that Nassar did not walk free to hurt anyone again. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 30, in the Stephens chapel at Green Pine Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Whitaker officiating. Obituary. Paul Young Stephens, a resident of Prairieville, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the age of 56. Or, "Can I give you a hug?" Later, when her father realized that Stephens was indeed telling the truth, she said that he committed suicide. It is with heavy hearts that the family of Johnny Mark Stephens announce his passing. We all have a part in fixing this problem. K-Y-L-E S-T-E-P-H-E-N-S." Kyle takes a breath. But I knew, when it came time to use my first tampon that my hymen wasn't intact.". Kyle Stephens, the first of more than 100 women to testify about Larry Nassar's abuse, says her father did not believe her and later died of suicide. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Obituaries-S. QUINCY - Hubert Sadler, 74, who retired as a truck driver for Gulf Coast Hatchery and a salvage yard owner, died Friday, Nov. 24, 2006. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Rachael Denhollander gives the final victim impact statement. "As tragedies are politicized, blame is inevitable," Simon said in her resignation letter. Stephens, whose father did . Despite telling her parents of the abuse she suffered for six years, Kyles parents did not believe her. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. "I just signed your death warrant," she tells him. Her cousin Sophia Stephens contributed to the drafting of this op-ed. More reporters. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and . She remembers one mom in particular walking into court: "[She was] really quiet and stoic and said, 'I need to add my daughter's name to the list.' Feb 14, 2023. Emma Winowiecki/Michigan Radio Kyle Rix Stephens, 32, was arrested about 1,000 kilometres north of Perth despite being told two days earlier, when he arrived at Perth airport, that he did not have permission to enter the state. Former gymnasts Kyle Stephens, Rachael Denhollander and Mattie Larson tell Megyn Kelly about the sexual abuse they endured from Larry Nassar. where he had lived most of his life, but he called Vermont his home. This cannot go on. (Video: Kate Woodsome, Gillian Brockell, Kerri Pang, Jesse Mesner-Hage/The Washington Post), Kyle Stephens, who was sexually abused for six years by disgraced gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, talks to fellow survivors about how she's healing. She resigned in 2017 after Strampel reprimanded her for not telling MSU officials that she was aware Nassar stopped volunteering as a team doctor for USA Gymnastics in 2015 because of allegations of sexual misconduct. I believe, my mom definitely had lingering suspicions, and my dad probably did, too, but they had committed to believing him. Kim Ann Volz of Metairie, Louisiana passed away on February 14, 2023 at the age of 56. Kyle attended schools in North Carolina. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery. When an Instagram message is the only place where victims can speak their truth, we are failing. Stephens told the court her mother and father became close to Nassar and his wife, Stephanie, when Stephens was 5. Her parents were close friends with the doctor, and Nassar began sexually abusing her in her own home when she was a kindergartner, she said during her moving testimony. Kyle Bazant was born on 03/24/1988 to parents Mike Bazant and Dawn Wastweet (Maki). [Nassar] tore us apart. As the final day of sentencing approaches, everybody knows: The woman who started this case would be the one to finish it. Biles and Raisman are among a number of victims who accuse USA Gymnastics and Michigan State of not properly vetting Nassar. The judge consoled the 29 women and girls who spoke, or had their statements read on Tuesday, saying they should not blame themselves. STEPHENS - Brandon Kyle Stephens, Sr., 25, of Yulee passed away Saturday, June 24, 2017. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anselm Catholic Church 306 St Mary St, Madisonville, LA 70447 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the Mandeville . Larry Nassar abused me. Jeffrey Kovan and Douglas Dietzel, who worked with Nassar at the MSU Sports Medicine Clinic -- have been cleared by LARA. Nov 13, 2021. Former Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar addresses the court during the sentencing phase in Ingham County Circuit Court on Jan. 24, 2018, in Lansing, Mich. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Additional reporting and writing by Keith Coffman in Denver; Editing by Leslie Adler. After Rachael offers Larry forgiveness, she addresses us. She told the court that her father had taken his own life when he discovered the full extent of Nassar's abuse of his daughter. She said: "You convinced my parents that you didn't pull my feet into your lap, unzip your pants, and rub your erect penis against my bare skin. Stephens decided two weeks . For Rachael, this whole case comes down to just one question. We must demand that every candidate running for office has a sexual-abuse and assault prevention agenda. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. View our online Press Pack. Kyle glances around the courtroom. The entire courtroom survivors, parents, coaches, friends, dozens and dozens of people who have been so damaged by a man they trusted breaks into sustained, enthusiastic applause. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Kyle Stephens blames her father's suicide on the abuse she suffered at the hands of disgraced US gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, Nassar wept and hid his face as Stephens and several women told of how he cruelly abused them as children, Stephens, the first woman to speak, held back her tears as she branded him a 'repulsive liar', Mum of gymnast Chelsea Markham who took her own life confronts Larry Nassar at his sentencing, Almost 100 victims are expected to address the Michigan court during the four-day sentencing, Stephens told of how Nassar convinced her parents that she was lying about the abuse, Stephens said Nassar would pleasure himself in front of her at her family home in Michigan, Larry Nassar confronted by ex-gymnasts he abused - Alexis Moore and Jade Capua - at his sentencing, Donna Markham told of how her 23-year-old daughter Chelsey killed herself in 2009, years after Nassar sexually abused her, Olivia Cowan wipes her tears as she delivers a victim impact testimony during the sentencing hearing, Nassar bowed his head as victims described experiencing "searing pain" during the assaults, Former US gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar pleads guilty to multiple charges of sexual abuse, Larry Nassar weeps as brave victim says her dad killed himself when he discovered US gymnastics doctors abuse, Shocking photo shows bedsheet where girl died weighing 23st - as mum JOKED about flies in squalid room, Man, 43, died after being held down by security guards at Sainsbury's, Man rushed to hospital with stab wounds after 'incident' at Hackney Central railway station as cops rush to scene, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Kyle Stephens. And this is what it looks like when people in authority refuse to listen. By the time he died, Stephens said her father had made it right. My parents told me they didn't believe me and that I needed to tell the truth And my dad, one time, finally said to me, If you don't tell the truth, I will make your life a living hell.. THE FIRST WOMAN to testify in Michigan state court about Nassar's abuse was Kyle Stephens. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Kyle Stephens testified against Larry Nassar after he sexually abused her over six years, Kyle Stephens called her father "her rock" before he took his own life, Kyle Stephens denounced Nassar as a "repulsive liar", Kyle's parents didn't believe she was being abused when she first told them, Stephens testified against Nassar in 2018, Simone Biles and gymnasts blast FBI for Nassar cover-up at Senate hearing, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Many wept as they told harrowing stories of thesexual abuse and emotional trauma he inflicted on them as children. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for the 54-year-old Nassar, who served as the USA Gymnastics physician through four Olympic Games. Was telling the truth, she said she wants young athletes `` to be safe from sexual predators from. 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