Legal representatives for a woman accusing Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua of assault have withdrawn a petition for a restraining order, a move linked to the athlete’s recent decision to enter a treatment facility. The withdrawal renders a court hearing previously scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, unnecessary, and the petition will be automatically dismissed by the judge.
The shift in legal strategy comes as the parties pivot toward a civil lawsuit filed on March 25 in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Attorney Joseph Kar, representing the accuser, stated that the voluntary withdrawal of the restraining order request allows the merits of the civil matter to be more thoroughly investigated and eventually presented to a jury.
Central to this development is the Puka Nacua decision to enter rehab, which his legal team describes as a proactive step toward health and personal growth. According to attorney Levi McCathern II, Nacua voluntarily checked into a private facility in March to focus on his well-being and offseason performance. McCathern emphasized that the decision to seek treatment was made prior to the filing of the legal complaint.
Although the immediate threat of a restraining order has subsided, the legal landscape for the Rams star remains complex. A potential criminal case is currently under review by the Los Angeles City Attorney, according to Ivor Pine, the office’s Deputy Director of Communications. This follows a police report filed by the woman on January 2.
Timeline of Allegations and Legal Filings
The current legal disputes stem from an incident allegedly occurring on December 31, 2025, following a group dinner in the Century City area of Los Angeles. According to the civil complaint, the conflict escalated as the group moved into a prearranged Sprinter van. The accuser alleges that Nacua bit her on the shoulder, causing injury and emotional distress, and further alleges that he bit a female friend during the same encounter.
Beyond the physical allegations, the complaint includes claims of verbal misconduct. The woman, who identifies as Jewish, alleges that Nacua made an unprovoked antisemitic statement during the dinner, specifically saying, “(Expletive) all the Jews.” She stated that the comment left her feeling immediately uncomfortable and distressed.
| Date | Event | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 31, 2025 | Alleged biting and antisemitic comments in Century City | Under Dispute |
| Jan. 2, 2026 | Police report filed by the accuser | Under Review |
| March 2026 | Nacua voluntarily enters private treatment facility | Completed/Ongoing |
| March 25, 2026 | Civil lawsuit filed in LA Superior Court | Active |
| April 13, 2026 | Restraining order petition withdrawn | Dismissed |
Defense and Counter-Allegations
Puka Nacua has denied the accusations detailed in the civil lawsuit. His attorney, Levi McCathern II, asserts that a sober witness has also denied the claims. The defense has characterized the lawsuit as a fabrication, suggesting that the alleged victim requested millions of dollars in exchange for not publicizing the allegations.
McCathern has signaled that the defense will not remain passive, stating that they intend to file a defamation lawsuit and pursue all available legal remedies. He further clarified that the matter does not involve sexual misconduct or domestic violence, noting that the legal filings would look significantly different if those elements were present.
The allegations of antisemitism are particularly sensitive given Nacua’s history. In December, the receiver faced public backlash after using an antisemitic trope during a livestream. At that time, Nacua issued an apology, claiming he was unaware that the act was antisemitic or that it perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
The intersection of professional athletics and behavioral health often brings intense public scrutiny. From a public health perspective, the decision to enter a private facility for “personal growth and overall development” suggests a focus on holistic recovery, which can be a critical component in managing the pressures of high-stakes professional sports.
The NFL has acknowledged the situation, stating that the matter is currently under review. The league’s decision on whether to impose disciplinary action typically depends on the findings of the City Attorney’s office and the progression of the civil trial. For now, the focus remains on the civil court’s investigation into gender violence, assault, battery, and negligence.
As a medical writer and physician, I note that voluntary entry into treatment is often viewed by the court as a sign of responsibility and a commitment to stability, which may influence how the civil case is handled moving forward.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.
The next confirmed legal checkpoint is the progression of the civil lawsuit in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, as both parties prepare for the discovery phase and potential jury trial.
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