Plaintiff sues Rams WR Puka Nacua over alleged antisemitic remark and bite

Madison Atiabi, a woman in Los Angeles, has filed a civil lawsuit against Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.

“Puka Nacua's attorney denies allegations he bit a woman, made an antisemitic remark Nacua's attorney said the claims are false and called the situation "blackmail," alleging the accuser sought millions A woman in California has filed for a temporary restraining order against Puka Nacua over allegations that he bit her, though a judge declined to grant the order pending further review”

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The lawsuit alleges antisemitic remarks and physical assault during New Year's Eve celebrations in Century City.

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According to court documents, Atiabi claims Nacua stated 'f--- all the Jews,' causing her emotional distress due to her Jewish faith.

The lawsuit also alleges Nacua 'forcibly' bit her shoulder, leaving a circular tooth imprint.

He is also accused of biting her friend's thumb with force causing acute pain.

Atiabi sought a temporary restraining order which was denied by a Los Angeles court.

A hearing is scheduled for April 14 for further legal proceedings.

Nacua's attorney Levi McCathern denies all allegations in 'the strongest possible terms.'

McCathern calls the claims 'blatant lies' and 'false and damaging statements.'

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Multiple sober witnesses, including fellow Rams players, allegedly attest that Nacua never made the antisemitic comments.

Regarding the biting, McCathern characterized it as 'horseplay' rather than assault.

McCathern has announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against Atiabi.

He stated they will 'pursue all available legal remedies' in response to the accusations.

The timing of the lawsuit has drawn significant attention as suspicious.

“LOS ANGELES -- A woman in Los Angeles has filed a civil lawsuit against Puka Nacua alleging the Rams wide receiver made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and later bit her on the shoulder”

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The lawsuit was filed over three months after the alleged New Year's Eve incident.

It came just days after Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed a record $168.6 million contract extension.

Nacua, who completed his third NFL season in 2025, is also eligible for a contract extension.

McCathern suggests the timing 'underscores the complete lack of credibility.'

The attorney implies the lawsuit may be financially motivated given the NFL contract context.

This is not Nacua's first incident involving antisemitic allegations.

In December 2025, Nacua apologized for an 'antisemitic in nature' gesture during a livestream.

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He claimed he 'had no idea' the gesture had antisemitic associations.

Two internet streamers allegedly suggested he perform it as a touchdown celebration.

The Rams organization condemned antisemitism in a December statement.

The previous incident adds context to the current allegations.

It raises questions about potential patterns of behavior.

Legal proceedings continue with a hearing scheduled for April 14.

“LOS ANGELES -- A woman in Los Angeles has filed a civil lawsuit against Puka Nacua alleging the Rams wide receiver made an "unprovoked antisemitic statement" and later bit her on the shoulder”

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Both parties engaged in mediation that failed to resolve the matter.

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McCathern claims they received 'demands for millions of dollars' to keep allegations private.

He characterized these demands as 'blackmail' rather than legitimate legal claims.

ESPN contacted Nacua's agent for comment but received no response.

The case has attracted significant media attention due to Nacua's NFL status.

The combination of antisemitic and assault allegations adds to the case's complexity.