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Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has been sued for alleged assault and battery by a woman who claims he bit her on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve and made an anti-Semitic remark.
The lawsuit was filed this week in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. The case also mentions gender-based violence and negligence.
Plaintiff Madison Atiabi and her attorney, Joseph Kar, claim Nacua made an anti-Semitic rant that left her emotionally distressed when they were together in Century City.
She says Nacua bit her, leaving teeth on her shoulder, when they were in a van together later that night, and she claims Nacua also bit her friend’s thumb.
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Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Nacua’s lawyer, Levi McCathern, has already strongly denied that Nacua made anti-Semitic statements. He described the bites as “horseplay”.
McCathern said “the whole allegation is nothing more than an attempted shakedown” and that the bite “left nothing more than a temporary mark,” according to TMZ.
Nacua previously apologized for performing an “anti-Semitic” act on a YouTube stream in December. Nacua discussed touchdown celebrations on YouTuber Adin Ross’ stream.
RAMS STAR PUKA NACUA ACCUSED OF ASKING WOMAN TO MAKE ANTI-SEMITIC REMARKS: REPORT
NFL Network reporter Jamie Erdahl interviews Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua after a game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
However, many believed that the celebration perpetuated a harmful anti-Jewish stereotype.
In the video, Ross instructed Nacua to spike the ball, bend and then rub his hands together. Ross, who is Jewish, has referred to the movement as his own “dance” or “feeling.”
Nacua received pushback and issued an apology.
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Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams runs downfield in the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on October 2, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
“While appearing the other day on a social media live stream, it was suggested that I perform a certain movement as part of my next touchdown celebration. At the time, I had no idea that this act was anti-Semitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jews,” Nacua said in a “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” graphic.
“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hatred towards another group of people.”
