On January 18, 2018, Biles released a statement on Twitter confirming that former USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar, D.O. had sexually assaulted her. She also named USA Gymnastics for having an alleged role in allowing the abuse to occur, and for subsequently covering it up. She did not attend court hearings held from January 16 to 24, 2018, citing that she "wasn't emotionally ready to face Larry Nassar again." In May 2018, it was announced that Biles and the other survivors would be awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. At the 2018 U.S. National Championships, Biles designed and wore a teal leotard that she stated was meant to honor the survivors of Nassar's abuse, as a statement of unification.