LOS ANGELES (AP) – Nearly 100 women who claim to have been harassed or sexually abused by a former gynecologist University of Southern California is suing the school, arguing that it ignored decades of complaints.
"I am part of an accidental brotherhood of hundreds of women because the university we love betrayed our trust," said Dana Loewy, who claimed that Dr. George Tyndall attacked her during a test in 1993.
She was among the approximately 20 women who showed up at a press conference on Thursday to announce the filing of new lawsuits on behalf of 93 women against the university.
Around 500 current and former students have made accusations against Tyndall. They claim that he habitually made rude comments, took inappropriate photographs and forced the plaintiffs to undress and fumbled for them under the guise of medical treatment. According to reports, the complaints date back to 1988.
Attorney John Manly noted that both the LAPD and the Los Angeles County district attorney's office are reviewing allegations against Tyndall. But he appealed to the state attorney general's office to investigate the handling of USC's complaints against Tyndall.
"The University of Southern California, my alma mater, has received hundreds of millions of dollars in aid from the state of California, and it is clear that these women failed," he said.
] Brennan Heil, a senior at USC, said she went to see Tyndall as a freshman after she was raped.
"During the consultation, he bothered me," he said during the press conference.
Two women said they called the USC hotline to report complaints against Tyndall but did not receive follow-up.
Manly accused the Board of Trustees of the USC of not speaking about the alleged abuses. He specifically named some of the high-powered members, including Steven Spielberg, United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.
"They have not said a word, not one," he said. "All these women: 500. You're on the board." Say something. "
In a statement, USC said it was aware of the lawsuits and will seek" a prompt and fair resolution that be respectful of our former students. "
Tyndall spent approximately three decades as a gynecologist for USC staff before retiring last year after a USC investigation concluded that there was evidence Tyndall has sexually harassed students during physical exams
Tyndall has denied the allegations and has not been charged with any crime, USC has denied allegations of a cover-up.
In August, the president of USC CL Max Nikias withdrew following criticism arising from allegations of sexual abuse.
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