Elite US gymnast Simone Biles has testified before the Senate about abuse she suffered at the hands of disgraced former team doctor, Larry Nassar.
Former teammates Aly Raisman and McKayla Maroney also appeared before the committee, along with FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The committee is examining shortcomings in the FBI’s investigation into Nassar, later convicted of sexually abusing girls.
He is serving a life sentence in jail.
“I blame Larry Nasser, and I also blame an entire system that enabled and perpetrated [sic] his abuse,” said Ms Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast of all-time.
“If you allow a predator to harm children, the consequences will be swift and severe,” she added.
Gymnast Maggie Nichols – the first victim to report her abuse to USA Gymnastics – also testified.
What did the women say?
In emotional testimony on Wednesday, the four women told the Senate Judiciary Committee they had “suffered and continue to suffer” from the abuse they experienced and its bungled handling.
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles – one of the most famous figures in world sports – called for the agents involved to be federally prosecuted.
“How much is a little girl worth?” she asked.
Aly Raisman, who served as captain of the 2012 and 2016 US Olympic gymnastics teams, expressed disgust that she was “still fighting for the most basic answers and accountability” more than six years after first reporting her abuse.
“Over the past few years it has become painfully clear how a survivor’s healing is affected by the handling of their abuse,” she testified.
She criticised the FBI investigation as being “like guesswork”, warning that not addressing its serious flaws would result in a recurring “nightmare” for many more women.
McKayla Maroney, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games, described the experience of being interviewed by the FBI as replete with “silence and disregard for my trauma”.
“They chose to fabricate, to lie about what I said and protect a serial child molester,” she told senators.
“What is the point of reporting abuse if our own FBI agents are going to take it upon themselves to bury that report in a drawer?”
What was the hearing for?
The four athletes were among more than 200 women who gave powerful impact statements to a court in 2018, detailing Larry Nassar’s abuse as the sports doctor of the United States women’s national gymnastics team.
In total, Nassar was accused of sexual abuse by more than 330 women and girls at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University.
A long-awaited report into the FBI’s investigation, which was published in July, found numerous missteps, delays and cover-ups by FBI agents, which allowed Nassar’s abuse to continue for several more months after the case was first opened.
The 119-page report by the Department of Justice Inspector General found that, despite the seriousness of the allegations against Nassar, the FBI field office in Indianapolis had been slow to respond.
The agency initially interviewed only Ms Maroney while declining to interview other young women who had come forward with their stories.
Confronted by their mistakes, two FBI officials lied during interviews to cover up their errors, the report said. According to the FBI, one of those officials was fired last week.
What did the FBI say?
FBI Director Christopher Wray apologised profusely to those present for the “reprehensible conduct” and “fundamental errors” detailed in the July report.
Mr Wray only took the agency’s top job in 2017, but pledged to prevent a repeat of the mishandled case under his leadership.
He pointed to last week’s removal of the supervising official involved, while noting the other official – who led the field office in Indianapolis – had retired long before he could be disciplined.
He acknowledged the work of both agents had “violated the FBI’s long-standing code of conduct” but was “inconsistent” with the vast majority of his team.
At a news conference later on Wednesday, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the president “supports” the recommended steps outlined for the FBI in the Department of Justice report.
But both lawmakers and witnesses called out the department for being a “no-show” at the hearing despite being invited. Speaking after the hearing, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal noted the department must still answer more questions.
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
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For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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