Florida State Reached $950,000 Settlement With Jameis Winston Accuser
By Ty Duffy
Florida State has settled a federal lawsuit with Erica Kinsman, the student who accused Jameis Winston of rape in 2012 (Winston was investigated but not charged with sexual battery). The settlement, for $950,000, is the largest ever to settle a student’s Title IX sexual assault indifference claim.
"FSU agreed to pay Kinsman $950,000 – an amount that includes attorney’s fees – as well as make a five-year commitment to awareness, prevention and training programs. The lump sum is the largest settlement for Title IX claims regarding indifference to a student’s sexual assault."
Florida State did not admit liability as part of the settlement.
"“We have an obligation to our students, their parents and Florida taxpayers to deal with this case, as we do all litigation, in a financially responsible manner,” Thrasher said in a statement. “With all the economic demands we face, at some point it doesn’t make sense to continue even though we are convinced we would have prevailed.”"
A Title IX investigation of Florida State by the Dept. of Education remains ongoing. Kinsman also has an ongoing civil suit with Winston.