Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua faces civil lawsuit over alleged bite

Madison Atiabi alleges that Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua bit her on New Year's Eve 2023 while they were with friends in Los Angeles. New color photographs released by Atiabi’s attorney show deeper bite marks than earlier black‑and‑white images, and she received a tetanus shot and treatment for emotional distress.

Atiabi and her lawyer have filed a civil suit accusing Nacua of assault, battery, negligence and gender‑based violence. A restraining‑order request filed in March was withdrawn in April to focus on the lawsuit. Authorities initially investigated the incident as a possible misdemeanor, but later opted for a pre‑filing diversion rather than criminal prosecution. Nacua, who acknowledged the bite and called it “horseplay,” entered a rehabilitation program after the incident.

The civil case remains ongoing, with both parties contending over the seriousness of the injury and the circumstances of the bite.