Hundreds of women have accused gynecologist James Heaps of abuse, accusing UCLA University of covering up his actions and not taking action against him despite reports. “The behavior attributed to Heaps is reprehensible and against the values of the university,” said a university press release, which also “admires the courage of the women who came forward.”
The agreement comes on top of a previous lawsuit filed by 5,000 patients that resulted in $73 million in damages. Another 300 women have filed civil charges against Heaps, who is also facing criminal charges for abusing seven women.
An investigation was launched by the university in late 2017 after allegations, although the first complaints had been filed years before. Despite the investigation, Heaps was able to continue seeing patients. He was fired in June 2018, a year later he was arrested and charged. After that, more women came with accusations.