Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is currently facing serious legal allegations involving physical assault and hate speech following an incident on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025). The details surfaced recently after a woman, Madison Atiabi, filed for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Los Angeles.
Puka Nacua vs Accuser: Inside the explosive assault case that could shake the NFL
According to court documents and photos obtained by outlets like TMZ, the accuser alleges the following:
- Physical Assault: Atiabi claims that while traveling in a Sprinter van after dinner in Century City, Nacua began behaving in a “strange and erratic” manner. He allegedly bit her friend’s thumb so hard she screamed in pain, then bit Atiabi on her left shoulder (scapula) with “massive force.”
- The Evidence: Atiabi submitted a photograph of a circular teeth imprint that allegedly broke the skin. She filed an official police report with the LAPD on January 2, 2026, just one day after the incident.
- Antisemitic Remarks: Atiabi, who is Jewish, alleges that Nacua said “f* all the Jews”** during dinner. This claim is under intense scrutiny, as Nacua had previously apologized in December 2025 for an “antisemitic in nature” gesture performed on an Adin Ross livestream.
Nacua’s lead attorney, Levi McCathern, has issued a firm denial of the more serious charges, characterizing the filing as a “shakedown.” The defense’s stance includes:McCathern admitted a bite occurred but described it as mutual “horseplay” among a group of people that resulted in only a temporary mark. The legal team flatly denies any antisemitic comments were made, stating that other Rams players and witnesses present did not hear such remarks. Nacua’s lawyers allege that Atiabi sought millions of dollars in a private mediation session on March 11, 2026, to keep the story quiet. In response to the filing, Nacua’s team announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit, claiming the allegations are false and damaging to his career.The timing of these allegations is critical for Nacua’s career. He was reportedly a “big-time priority” for a massive contract extension following his record-breaking 2025 season. Legal experts suggest that a confirmed incident of this nature could jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars in potential earnings and trigger the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.As of today, a Los Angeles judge has denied the initial request for a temporary restraining order, citing the need for more evidence and testimony. A formal hearing is scheduled for April 14, 2026, where both sides will present their cases. Neither the Rams nor the NFL have issued a formal disciplinary statement as of today.
