Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua has been sued for assault and battery by a woman who claims he made an antisemitic remark and bit her on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve.
According to TMZ, the civil lawsuit was filed this week in Los Angeles. The suit also cites gender violence and negligence.
Plaintiff Madison Atiabi and her attorney, Joseph Kar, claim Nacua made an antisemitic comment that emotionally distressed her when they were together in Century City.
She claims Nacua bit her and left teeth marks on her shoulder when they were in a van together later in the night, and she says Nacua also bit her friend’s thumb.
Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, has already strongly denied Nacua made any antisemitic statements. He described the bites as “horseplay.”
Nacua had previously issued an apology last December after performing a gesture that plays upon antisemitic tropes while appearing on an internet livestream.
In his apology on Instagram, Nacua wrote: “I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” he stated.
“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people.”
Nacua has been one of the most productive receivers in NFL history over his first three seasons with the Rams, who drafted him out of BYU in 2023 with the final pick of the fifth round.
He led the league with 129 catches last season while racking up 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns before leading the NFL again with 24 catches for 332 yards and two TDs in the playoffs.
Nacua is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Rams this offseason that undoubtedly would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in NFL history, but the Rams haven’t announced any progress on a new deal.
