world
Archdiocese of New York Offers $800 Million to Settle Child Sex Abuse Claims
The Archdiocese of New York has proposed an $800 million settlement for 1,300 claims of child sexual abuse by priests and lay staff. Officials stated that rejection could lead to bankruptcy. The offer includes a $250,000 quick payment option and requires approval from all alleged victims.
May 1, 1:48 PM·2m read1 source
nypost.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
com. The settlement requires approval from all 1,300 alleged victims. Officials stated that if the offer is rejected, the archdiocese may file for bankruptcy. The proposal includes a $250,000 quick payment option for those seeking a speedy resolution.
Otherwise, individual claims would be evaluated to determine compensation amounts. The offer was first reported by The New York Times on Thursday.
The archdiocese represents millions of Catholics in Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island, and seven upstate counties. Accusations of abuse have been directed at the archdiocese for years. Last year, Cardinal Timothy Dolan agreed to negotiate a settlement with alleged victims.
To fund potential costs, the archdiocese sold its former headquarters in Manhattan and laid off staff, raising $300 million. Other Catholic dioceses, including those in Albany, Rockville Centre, and Rochester, have filed for bankruptcy protection due to similar claims.
Merson, a lawyer representing more than 60 alleged victims, stated that the proposed settlement is better than bankruptcy, which would delay resolutions and increase costs. He noted that bankruptcy proceedings could cost the church hundreds of millions more in attorney fees.
“This proposed settlement is far better than the alternative of the New York Archdiocese likely filing for bankruptcy that would delay justice for these survivors for many years.”
