Trial Magazine

Doe, a 13-year-old gymnast, attended Camp Woodward, an elite gymnastics camp. During gymnastics activities one day, coach Nathaniel Singer allegedly touched Doe’s buttocks and breast, claiming it was inadvertent. He also allegedly slipped his finger through the back of Doe’s leotard during a drill.

The following summer, while spotting Doe, Singer again allegedly slipped his fingers through the back of her leotard. Doe reported the incident to another coach, who, in turn, reported it to camp administrator Brittany Shulman. Shulman allegedly accused Doe of lying and told her that she would ruin her life and Singer’s life if she repeated what had happened. Shulman also allegedly told Doe’s mother that she had been disrespectful to a coach.

Doe subsequently reported the alleged assault to police, and Singer was arrested and convicted of indecent assault. Doe quit gymnastics after she turned 16.

She sued Woodward LLC, alleging negligence, including negligent hiring, supervision, and retention; and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The plaintiff also named Shulman, claiming that she and the camp were aware that Singer had allegedly violated camp safety rules and assaulted another camper two years before his first alleged assault on Doe. Additionally, the plaintiff asserted, another coach had warned Shulman that Singer was a child predator one week before his first alleged assault on Doe.

The parties agreed to a settlement for $8 million.

Citation: Doe v. Woodward LLC, No. 22-cv-134-MWB (M.D. Pa. July 2, 2024).

Plaintiff Counsel: AAJ members Lorraine Donnelly and David Inscho, both of Philadelphia.