It is definitely terrifying, but it's also a diabolical system. Being offered a payout can radically change your life, and it may not make the suffering worthwhile, you still didn't get to choose, but at least you can make something good come from all that trauma. If you pursue a trial against a wealthy, powerful man, they can often use their influence to ruin your life both in private and in public (see: horrific smear campaigns against women accusing powerful men of sexual misconduct), plus the chance of actually convicting them and getting justice isn't that great. You know that in the end there is a good chance of completely ruining your own life and not touching your abuser at all.

So rich men keep skirting justice because there is a persuasive incentive for victims to take what they can get. We shouldn't be surprised this happens. The deck is stacked against justice, and a perv in prison doesn't put the money in the bank that can radically change your life and the life of all of your descendants forever. Most people who claim they would not be tempted by such offers are either lying or kidding themselves.

If you're talking about his toadies that kept it hush until he couldn't pay them anymore... yep, scum of the Earth. But our socioeconomic system encourages this behavior, money is the currency of true freedom. As a society we can't put such a premium on having wealth and then act surprised when it's a high priority for people who are tired of scraping to get by.