California university to pay $1 billion over abuse claims against campus gynaecologist
It is the biggest sex abuse-linked pay-out in higher education history
The University of Southern California (USC) has agreed to pay more than $1 billion 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, reports the BBC.
George Tyndall was arrested in 2019 and charged with sexually assaulting 16 female patients, allegations he denies.
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More than 350 women have spoken out about their experiences as patients of the gynaecologist.
Dr 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.
USC had already agreed in 2018 to pay $215m in a class action case.
"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 $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.
