Puka Nacua Declines to Address Details of Antisemitic Assault Lawsuit

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua spoke publicly for the first time on May 28, 2026, since a civil lawsuit was filed against him in March by a woman in Los Angeles. The lawsuit alleges that Nacua made an unprovoked antisemitic statement and later bit the plaintiff on the shoulder. It cites gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence.

Nacua declined to address specifics about the lawsuit or the night in question, calling it an ongoing legal battle. In March, his attorney Levi McCathern said in a statement that Nacua denies the allegations in the strongest possible terms. When asked about the allegations, Nacua said it was a moment for him to learn from some of the situations he was putting himself in and to have awareness of how he is conducting himself in and out of the football field.

Nacua said he is grateful for the support from the Los Angeles Rams organization, especially his teammates. He said people reached out at different times of the offseason, just checking in. Nacua said part of that support is taking part in therapy, and he spent time in rehab this spring.

"There's been a lot of good things in the midst of some of these things that have been challenging for me, but it's been a great improvement in my life," Nacua said. He added that he has learned it is OK to ask for support and to recognize the platform he has as a professional football player.

In December, Nacua issued a statement apologizing for performing a gesture on an internet livestream that was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.

He made the gesture with two internet streamers who suggested he perform the gesture as part of his next touchdown celebration. In the statement, Nacua said at the time he had no idea of the nature of the gesture. Rams coach Sean McVay said on May 28, 2026, that he has appreciated Nacua's ability to kind of let him in.

McVay said it is really cool to be able to just see the direction that Nacua is on and that the team will have their arm around him and continue to support him throughout. Nacua, a fifth-round pick in 2023, is entering the final season of his rookie contract and is now eligible to sign a contract extension.

In March, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed a contract extension that made him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history.

When asked whether he feels comfortable in 2026 playing without a contract extension, Nacua said he has not really thought about it. "I know that my job is to come up here and to be with the guys and go out there and compete every single day and that's been kind of my mindset," Nacua said.