The Puka Nacua lawsuit is a civil case filed on March 25, 2026, in Los Angeles County Superior Court by a woman named Madison Atiabi, who alleges the Rams wide receiver shouted an antisemitic slur and bit her on the shoulder during a New Year’s Eve gathering in Century City. Nacua denies the antisemitic remark, acknowledges a bite occurred but calls it “mutual horseplay,” and has not been criminally charged.
What Atiabi Alleges
According to the complaint, Atiabi was invited to a group dinner on December 31, 2025, and afterward joined Nacua and others in a Sprinter van.1The New York Times. Rams’ Puka Nacua Lawsuit: Antisemitic Remark, Biting Woman She says Nacua, who she claims was intoxicated, shouted “f— all the Jews” at some point during the evening, causing her emotional distress because of her Jewish faith.2ESPN. Rams’ Puka Nacua Sued Over Alleged Antisemitic Remark, Bite
Inside the van, the suit alleges, Nacua dropped his head into the lap of Atiabi’s female companion and bit the woman’s thumb hard enough that she screamed in pain. Atiabi says Nacua then bit her on the left shoulder, leaving visible tooth imprints.1The New York Times. Rams’ Puka Nacua Lawsuit: Antisemitic Remark, Biting Woman The complaint describes his conduct as “physically and sexually aggressive.”
The lawsuit brings four causes of action: gender violence, assault, battery, and negligence. Atiabi seeks unspecified monetary damages and has demanded a jury trial.3NFL.com. Rams WR Puka Nacua Sued for Allegedly Making Antisemitic Remark, Biting Woman
How Nacua Is Responding
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, has denied the allegations “in the strongest possible terms.” He called the antisemitic slur claim “a blatant lie” and said “multiple sober witnesses have stated unequivocally that Puka never made the comments Ms. Atiabi claims.”2ESPN. Rams’ Puka Nacua Sued Over Alleged Antisemitic Remark, Bite McCathern acknowledges the bite happened but describes it as “mutual horseplay” rather than an assault.4Yahoo Sports. Puka Nacua Makes Shocking Claims in Lawsuit Response
The defense has pointed to video footage published by TMZ on March 25, 2026, showing Atiabi dancing and twerking near Nacua while he appears to be asleep or passed out in the van. McCathern called the video his “smoking gun,” arguing Atiabi’s behavior after the alleged assault is “totally inconsistent with someone who had just been violently assaulted or subjected to hate speech.”5New York Post. Puka Nacua Accuser Twerks Near Sleeping Rams Star in Biting Drama Twist
McCathern has also alleged Atiabi tried to extort Nacua for millions of dollars in exchange for not publicizing the claims, calling the lawsuit “blackmail.”6USA Today. Puka Nacua Antisemitism Allegations He has said repeatedly he intends to file a defamation countersuit, though none appears to have been filed as of the latest reporting.7AOL. Puka Nacua Makes Shocking Claims in Lawsuit Response
On April 21, 2026, Nacua’s attorneys filed a formal answer raising 18 defenses. Among them: that Atiabi’s own “intoxication, aggressive behavior, and/or escalation” was a “substantial factor” in her alleged injuries, and that she was “under the influence of alcohol and/or other substances” that impaired her judgment.4Yahoo Sports. Puka Nacua Makes Shocking Claims in Lawsuit Response Atiabi’s attorney, Joseph Kar, responded that those defenses “don’t apply to intentional torts or to gender violence,” the central claims in the case.8AOL. Puka Nacua Makes Shocking Claims in Lawsuit Response
Restraining Order Withdrawn
Before filing the civil suit, Atiabi sought a temporary restraining order against Nacua. A judge denied that initial request on March 24, 2026, saying more information was needed “at a properly noticed hearing,” and set a follow-up for April 14.9The New York Times. Puka Nacua Accuser Drops Temporary Restraining Order
At the April 14 hearing, Kar told Judge Debra R. Archuleta that his client wished to withdraw the petition. He cited Nacua’s presence in a rehabilitation facility and said withdrawing the petition would let the legal team focus on the civil lawsuit, noting civil harassment petitions are not typically tried before a jury.10New York Post. Puka Nacua Bite Accuser’s Petition for Restraining Order Dismissed Judge Archuleta dismissed the petition without prejudice, leaving Atiabi free to refile.9The New York Times. Puka Nacua Accuser Drops Temporary Restraining Order
No Criminal Charges
Atiabi reported the alleged incident to police on January 2, 2026, according to her restraining order petition.11Yahoo Sports. LA Prosecutors Investigating Puka Nacua The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office opened an investigation in March 2026, but as of May 2026, prosecutors declined to file charges. Spokesperson Ivor B. Pine said that “charges are not filed against the respondent at this time.”12New York Post. Puka Nacua Likely Won’t Face Charges After Bizarre Biting Incident
The case remains technically open for the duration of the statute of limitations and was assigned to a “City Attorney Hearing,” a pre-filing diversion the office describes as an alternative to misdemeanor prosecution.12New York Post. Puka Nacua Likely Won’t Face Charges After Bizarre Biting Incident
Rehab and NFL Review
In early March 2026, before the lawsuit became public, Nacua checked himself into a luxury treatment center in Malibu that specializes in drug and alcohol addiction, chronic pain, and mental health issues.13Pro Football Rumors. Rams WR Puka Nacua Checked Into Rehab Facility in March McCathern said Nacua had been at the facility for “a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke” and that the decision was about personal growth, not a reaction to the lawsuit.14The New York Times. Puka Nacua Rehab, Rams Allegations
The NFL said on April 2, 2026, that the situation was “under review,” without clarifying whether the review covered the lawsuit, the rehab stint, or both. Spokesperson Brian McCarthy declined to say whether Nacua would face discipline under the personal conduct policy, which lets the league punish conduct deemed “illegal, violent, dangerous, or irresponsible” even without criminal charges.15USA Today. Puka Nacua Lawsuit, Rehab, NFL Review
This is not the first time Nacua has drawn scrutiny over antisemitism. In December 2025, he performed a gesture on an internet livestream with personality Adin Ross that was described as playing on antisemitic tropes. Nacua apologized on Instagram, saying he “had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature.”16CNN. Puka Nacua Apology Antisemitism The NFL condemned the behavior but did not discipline him for the gesture, though it separately fined him $25,000 for comments criticizing officiating made during the same livestream.17The Washington Post. Puka Nacua Antisemitic Touchdown Dance
What Nacua Has Said
Nacua returned for the Rams’ offseason program and spoke to reporters on May 29, 2026. He declined to address specifics: “With it being an ongoing legal battle, out of respect for the other party involved, don’t really have much to speak on.”18Deseret News. Puka Nacua Speaks About Offseason
He acknowledged a difficult offseason and said the experience prompted self-reflection. “It’s a moment for me to learn from some of the situations I was putting myself in and then also having just an awareness of how I’m conducting myself in and out of this football field,” he said, adding that he has been meeting with a team therapist and calling the process “a great improvement” in his life.19ESPN. Puka Nacua Says He’s Grateful for Rams’ Support Amid Lawsuit
Head coach Sean McVay said he has “appreciated” Nacua’s willingness to let him in on what he’s been going through. “It’s really cool to be able to just see the direction that he’s on, and we’ll have our arm around him and continue to support him throughout,” McVay said.19ESPN. Puka Nacua Says He’s Grateful for Rams’ Support Amid Lawsuit Reporting has indicated that an early contract extension for Nacua is “no longer a guarantee” given the circumstances of the offseason.20ESPN. NFL Offseason Extension Contract Predictions