Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been sued in a civil case alleging he made an antisemitic statement and bit a woman during a New Year’s Eve gathering in Century City. The lawsuit, filed this week, also names gender violence, assault, battery, and negligence among its claims.
According to court documents, plaintiff Madison Atiabi says the incident occurred on December 31, 2025, when she was part of a group that included Nacua. Atiabi alleges that during a dinner earlier in the evening, Nacua made an offensive statement targeting Jewish people. She claims the remark caused her immediate emotional distress given her own Jewish faith. Later that night, when the group was together in a van, Atiabi says Nacua bit her on the shoulder with enough force to leave teeth marks on her body. She also alleges he bit her friend’s thumb during the same incident.
Nacua’s legal team has firmly rejected both allegations. His attorney, Levi McCathern, characterized the claims as entirely false and stated that sober witnesses can confirm Nacua never made the alleged comments. McCathern described any biting that may have occurred as “horseplay” rather than a violent act. He also suggested the lawsuit amounts to extortion, claiming his office received demands for millions of dollars in exchange for keeping the allegations private before the case was filed.
Atiabi’s request for a temporary restraining order was denied by the court, though a hearing is scheduled for April 14 to determine whether further legal measures are warranted. McCathern has indicated the Rams’ receiver plans to file a defamation countersuit against Atiabi and pursue all available legal remedies.
This case arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of Nacua’s conduct. In December, the receiver apologized after performing a gesture during an internet livestream that was identified as having antisemitic connotations. Nacua stated at the time that he was unaware of the gesture’s offensive nature when he performed it. The Rams organization released a statement condemning antisemitism and all forms of prejudice.
Nacua has emerged as one of the NFL’s most prolific receivers since being drafted by Los Angeles in 2023. Last season, he led the league with 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, then added 24 receptions for 332 yards in the playoffs. He is eligible for a significant contract extension this offseason that could make him among the league’s highest-paid receivers, though the Rams have not announced progress on new terms.
Puka Nacua has been accused of biting a woman and making antisemitic remarks at an outing in December, per @TMZ
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 25, 2026
Nacua has denied the allegations that he said “f**k all the Jews” during dinner.
As for the bite marks – Nacua’s attorney says “there was some horseplay.” pic.twitter.com/M0rYALhI85
