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Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has been charged with assault and battery by a woman who says she bit him on the shoulder on New Year’s Eve and made objectionable remarks.
The lawsuit was filed this week in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. The lawsuit also cites sexual violence and negligence.
Plaintiff Madison Atiabi and her lawyer, Joseph Kar, said Nacua made a defiant exclamation that choked her when they were together in Century City.
He says Nacua bit him and left teeth marks on his shoulder when they were in the van together at night, and he says Nacua also bit his 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 Sept. 28, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Nacua’s lawyer, Levi McCathern, has already strongly denied that Nacua made any contradictory statements. He described the bite as “horseplay”.
McCathern said “the whole claim is just a fluke” and that the bite “left nothing but a temporary mark,” according to TMZ.
Nacua previously apologized for acting “offensively” on YouTube in December. Nacua discussed the touchdown celebrations on YouTuber Adin Ross’ stream.
RAMS STAR PUKA NACUA ALLEGED TO BITE WOMAN, MAKES IMPORTANT WORDS: REPORT
NFL Network reporter Jamie Erdahl interviews Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium Dec. 28, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Kirby Lee/Images)
However, many believed that the celebration perpetuated a dangerous anti-Semitic ideology.
In the video, Ross instructed Nacua to counter the ball, bend over and rub his hands together. Ross, who is Jewish, called this movement his “dance” or “emotion.”
Nacua received consolation and issued an apology.
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Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams runs down the field during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium Oct. 2, 2025, Inglewood, Calif. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
“When I appeared the other day on a live social media broadcast, it was suggested to me that I make a specific move as part of my celebration of the next touch. At the time, I did not know that this move was against nature and perpetuates harmful ideas for the Jewish people,” Nacua said in a statement. Illustration of “Stand Up to Jewish Hate”..
“I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any kind of prejudice, bigotry or hatred of another group of people.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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