FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 26, 2021
CONTACT: press@spotlightmichigan.com
SPOTLIGHT MICHIGAN RELEASES NEW DIGITAL AD "BETRAYED" EXPOSING THE BIG LIE IN THE BIG HOUSE
NEW VIDEO AD CALLS ON MICHIGANDERS TO SIGN PETITION TO DEMAND JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS RAPED AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BY TEAM PHYSICIAN DR. ROBERT ANDERSON
ANN ARBOR - Today Spotlight Michigan announced the launch of a digital ad campaign, on multiple online platforms, calling on Michiganders to demand justice for the approximately 850 Wolverine athletes and students that were raped, sexually assaulted, and molested by longtime UM team physician, Dr. Robert Anderson. The ad directs viewers to an online petition to sign, calling on the University of Michigan Board of Regents to acknowledge the role UM officials played in the prolonged coverup and promotion of this predator and to hold UM officials accountable to prevent this type of abuse from ever happening again. The new ad was released on the heels of two new billboards that Spotlight Michigan recently put up in Ann Arbor.
"This digital ad highlights the University of Michigan's inaction while former team doctor Robert Anderson raped, sexually assaulted, and molested hundreds of collegiate athletes and students. For 37 years, Anderson was promoted and protected by administration officials, athletic leaders, trainers, and coaches while complaints about his predatory behavior went ignored. It's time to spotlight the big lie in the big house," Autria Lindsay, Spotlight Michigan spokesperson said.
Click here to read the full WilmerHale report that, while outlining the vast scope of Anderson's abuse over his 37-year-tenure, comes up short in adequately exposing the cover-up and denial of his actions by top university officials.
VIDEO SCRIPT:
"A trusted institution with the highest
standards for students and athletes.
But the University of Michigan has been keeping
a secret. A secret that destroyed young lives.
School officials were made aware for decades
that Doctor Robert Anderson was sexually
abusing Wolverine athletes.
They were warned time and again but allowed
Anderson to continue treating undergrads.
The victims described a sexual predator…
molestation… sexual abuse… but Anderson
wasn’t removed or prosecuted – Incredibly, he
was made team physician for the athletic
department.
Hundreds of victims have come forward.
Hundreds of young lives forever changed
because Michigan officials failed to act.
They betrayed the trust of the very students they
were charged to protect.
Instead, they protected a monster.
It’s time to hold the University of Michigan
accountable. It’s time to expose the Big Lie in
the Big House."
Spotlight Michigan is committed to exposing these crimes and providing a voice to the community of victims, families, friends, and University of Michigan alumni that demand accountability from the University for its failure to put students before predators. It is also imperative that protocols and procedures be updated and improved to ensure such systemic failures that allowed for both the abuse and the cover-up never happen again.
To learn more about Spotlight Michigan visit our website at www.spotlightmichigan.com
