BUFFALO (NY)
WGRZ-TV [Buffalo NY]
August 29, 2025
By Charlie Specht and Sean Mickey
Proposed settlement must be approved by court
A proposed $272 million bankruptcy settlement between the Diocese of Buffalo and clergy sexual abuse survivors could increase if additional insurance carriers agree to contribute, according to attorneys involved in the case. Survivors say the proposed agreement — while imperfect — would provide meaningful help to the more than 900 people who filed claims.
Michael Whalen, whose 2018 news conference helped trigger a wave of disclosures in Western New York, said the settlement represents progress for those still waiting for accountability.
“It’s a step in the right direction for closure,” Whalen said. “People are dying off now and they’ll never see any kind of justice. Helping other survivors, especially from my point of view, stepping forward was to let them know that they weren’t alone.”
Whalen alleged abuse as a child in the 1980s by the Rev. Norbert F. Orsolits, who was assigned to St. John Vianney in Orchard Park. Orsolits later told The Buffalo News that he abused “probably dozens” of boys over the years.
Whalen’s decision to speak publicly was followed by scores of others coming forward, intensifying scrutiny on then-Bishop Richard J. Malone, who ultimately resigned after his former executive assistant, Siobhan O’Connor, released internal documents indicating an ongoing cover-up of abuse allegations. Fr. Ryszard Biernat, another aide to Malone, also released audio recordings that showed Malone was concealing sexual misconduct allegations against another priest.
“I never in a million years thought that just telling my story of what happened to me would blow up like it did so fast,” Whalen said, “and then to have Malone try to hide it or not give the full names and how many. It’s the playbook that they had, and I’m glad we blew it open, me and you, Siobhan. All of us put our hands on it to get to show the evil that was there and what happened and for them to take accountability for what happened. I’m glad I stepped forward. I’m glad we all did what we had to do.”
Based on the current proposal, the settlement averages about $300,000 per claimant in the diocesan bankruptcy. Lawyers say the total could grow if more insurers participate.
Not all survivors are on board with the plan. Some note the per-victim average appears lower than figures discussed in the Rochester and Syracuse diocesan bankruptcies. Attorneys counter that a recent insurance component of the Buffalo deal ranks among the largest ever in a church-abuse case. Final distributions will depend on claim evaluations and any additional insurer contributions.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Carl Bucki will review the proposed settlement and related insurer agreements. Survivors will ultimately vote on a plan of reorganization; Bucki must approve any final deal.
The diocese has until Oct. 1 to submit its reorganization plan.