Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nucua is said to have checked into a Malibu rehabilitation facility after facing accusations linked to a New Year's Eve bite attack and antisemitism.
On Wednesday, 1 April, his attorney confirmed that Nacua has been staying at a luxury treatment centre in Malibu, describing the move as an effort 'to improve his overall behaviour in every aspect of his life that he can do it.'
Puka Nacua Enters Rehab in Malibu
According to the New York Post, confirmation of Nacua's stay at the Malibu facility came only days after reports surfaced alleging he bit a woman's shoulder and thumb during a New Year's Eve altercation.
Nacua's lawyer, Levi McCathern, clarified that the move was not a direct response to the allegations and lawsuit filed by Madison Atiabi, but did admit that 'the combination of stories ya'll have run is certainly a contributing factor.'
McCathern added that his client had already entered rehab prior to the allegations becoming public. He said, 'He was in there [for] a substantial period of time before any of these allegations broke'. The lawyer also shared that his client is 'scheduled to be there for a while longer,' USA Today reported.
Furthermore, McCathern also spoke with NFL Network reporter Steve Wyche, who posted a quote from the lawyer on social media.
Rams WR Puka Nacua has been at a recovery center for his well being, his lawyer Levi McCathern confirmed to me. Here is part of his statement. The story was first reported by the California Post....."He is committed to using this time constructively so that he can return in the…
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) April 1, 2026
Wyche shared: 'He is committed to using this time constructively so that he can return in the best possible position – both personally and professionally – to continue contributing to his team and the game he loves'.
'He will complete the program in time to fully participate in all of the Rams OTAs. Puka is also deeply grateful for the support he has received from his family, friends, coach [Sean] McVay, and teammates,' the post read. The Rams have not yet commented on the report of Nacua entering rehab.
The Allegations: New Year's Eve Bite, Antisemitism
On 24 March, TMZ reported that a Los Angeles woman accused Nacua of biting her during a New Year's Eve gathering, allegedly after he made an antisemitic comment. The woman claims that the Rams superstar bit her so hard that her skin broke, as stated in an application for a temporary restraining order.
She said that the night got off to a rocky start after the athlete allegedly said, 'f*** all the Jews' during dinner, which distressed her.
The woman also said that the antisemitic remark was just the 'first act in what became an escalating course of rude or vulgar, threatening, violent, and harassing conduct' made by Nacua.
She also alleged that the NFL star has become 'touchy-feely' and out of nowhere 'dropped his head into [her] girlfriend's lap and crotch area and bit her thumb so forcefully that she screamed in acute pain' before he turned to her and bit her left shoulder that broke her skin and left a circular imprint of his teeth.
Response to Allegations
In a statement, Nacua's representatives denied the allegations 'in the strongest possible terms' and revealed that they will be filing a defamation lawsuit.
'We will be filing a defamation lawsuit and pursuing all available legal remedies in response to these false and damaging statements,' McCathern said. The lawyer also said a sober witness has denied that Nacua made the antisemitic comment.
McCathern also alleged that the victim asked for millions of dollars in exchange for not publicising the allegations, 'Let's be clear about what this case is — and what it is not.'
'This matter is not sexual in nature, nor does it involve any allegation of domestic violence. If it did, the filings would look very different. They do not. It also doesn't involve any elements of antisemitism,' McCathern said.
As of now, the matter is under review by the city attorney's office, and Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto will decide whether or not to file criminal charges.
