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Los Angeles Rams star Puka Nacua has been sued for alleged battery by a woman who alleges 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 suit also cites gender-based violence and neglect.
Plaintiff Madison Atiabi and her attorney, Joseph Kar, say Nacua made an anti-Semitic exclamation that emotionally upset her when they were together in Century City.
She says Nacua bit her and left teeth marks on her shoulder while 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 fourth quarter touchdown 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 previously strongly denied any anti-Semitic statements made by Nacua. He described the bites as “horseplay”.
McCathern, said “this whole claim 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 committing an “anti-Semitic” act on a YouTube broadcast in December. Nacua discussed the landing celebrations on YouTuber Adin Ross’s stream.
RAMS STAR PUKA NACUA ACCUSED OF BITING WOMAN AND MAKING ANTISEMITIC 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)
Many, however, believed the celebration perpetuated a harmful anti-Jewish stereotype.
In the video, Ross asked Nacua to hit the ball, flex and then rub his hands together. Ross, who is Jewish, called the move his own “dance” or “emote.”
Nacua was rebuffed and apologized.
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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 on October 2, 2025, in Inglewood, California. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
“When I appeared on a social media livestream the other day, it was suggested to me that I perform a specific move as part of my upcoming landing celebration. At the time, I had no idea that this act was anti-Semitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people,” Nacua said in a statement. “Stand up against Jewish hatred” graphic.
“I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions, as I do not advocate any form of racism, intolerance or hatred towards any other group of people.”
