NFL Star Puka Nacua to Launch Defamation Lawsuit Over Biting and Anti-Semitic Slur Allegations
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is preparing to file a defamation lawsuit against a woman who has accused him of biting her and using anti-Semitic slurs during a New Year's Eve outing, according to his legal representative. The alleged victim sought a temporary restraining order, detailing her account of the incident in Century City, Los Angeles, which has sparked a fierce legal battle.
Allegations and Denials in Court Documents
Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail reveal that Nacua is accused of uttering the phrase 'f*** all the Jews' during a dinner gathering. The woman described this as the initial act in what she claims was an escalating pattern of rude, vulgar, threatening, violent, and harassing behavior by the NFL star. She further alleges that Nacua became 'touchy-feely' in a Sprinter van after dinner, before biting her left shoulder with such force that it broke her skin, leaving a circular teeth imprint. A photo of the alleged bite mark was included in her restraining order application.
Legal Response and Accusations of Blackmail
Nacua's attorney, Levi McCathern, has issued a blistering statement denying the allegations 'in the strongest possible terms.' McCathern asserted that the case does not involve sexual misconduct or domestic violence, and he emphasized that a sober witness has confirmed Nacua did not make the anti-Semitic comments. He accused the woman of attempting to 'blackmail' the player, citing demands for millions of dollars in exchange for not publicizing the claims. McCathern highlighted the timing of the legal action, noting it came nearly three months after the alleged incident and shortly after fellow wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba's record-breaking contract, which he suggested undermines the credibility of the accusations.
Context and Previous Controversy
The alleged anti-Semitic slur incident occurred just days after Nacua was involved in another controversy with streamer Adin Ross, who encouraged him to perform a 'Jewish dance' that evoked negative stereotypes. Nacua later apologized, stating he had 'no idea' about the reference. In the current case, McCathern told TMZ that the bite mark resulted from 'horseplay' during partying, leaving only a 'temporary mark,' and he dismissed the complaint as a 'shakedown attempt.' The woman filed a police report a day after the incident, and a mediation conference was held with both parties and their attorneys before the restraining order petition was submitted.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
The request for a temporary restraining order was denied pending a follow-up hearing scheduled for April 14. McCathern alleged that during mediation, threats were made to contact media outlets like TMZ to disseminate false statements about the events. Nacua's legal team plans to pursue all available remedies, including the defamation lawsuit, in response to what they deem false and damaging statements. The case continues to unfold as both sides prepare for further legal confrontations.
