Puka Nacua says his bite accuser was intoxicated during alleged incident

Puka Nacua submitted an answer on Tuesday to the lawsuit that alleged he bit a woman on New Year’s Eve, and in the new court filing, the Rams star made some surprising allegations against his accuser, Madison Atiabi.

Attorneys for Nacua wrote — in the legal filing obtained by The California Post — that Atiabi’s “intoxication, aggressive behavior, and/or escalation, was a substantial factor in causing the alleged injuries” she sustained when the NFL wide receiver sunk his teeth into her shoulder during a Dec. 31, 2025 night out in Los Angeles.

“Any recovery must be reduced accordingly,” the lawyers added.

Nacua’s filing features a total of 18 defenses, including an additional one that further alleged Atiabi’s alcohol consumption played a role in the matter.

“Plaintiff was under the influence of alcohol and/or other substances,” Nacua’s attorneys wrote, “which impaired judgment and contributed to the alleged incident and damages.”

Atiabi’s attorney, Joseph Kar, told The California Post on Tuesday he had “no particular comments” regarding Nacua’s answer, though he did say, “It’s untrue my client contributed.

“Those defenses don’t apply to intentional torts or to gender violence, as we will learn during the course of litigating this case.”

Atiabi sued Nacua on March 25 for gender violence, assault and battery, and negligence, alleging he terrorized her while they were out with mutual friends.

She claimed at a dinner, he offended her by stating, “F—k all the Jews.” She then said when they were in a sprinter van on their way to their next location, he “forcibly bit” her “left shoulder, leaving a circular imprint of his teeth on her body and injuring and harming” her.

Nacua’s attorney, Levi McCathern, has acknowledged his client did bite Atiabi, but he said it was the result of mutual “horseplay.” As for the alleged antisemitic remarks, McCathern has staunchly denied Nacua ever muttered them.

Nacua entered into rehab in wake of the incident in an effort “to improve his overall behavior in every aspect of his life that he can do it,” according to McCathern.

The receiver since rejoined the Rams for their offseason workouts, which began on Monday. He was also spotted at the Lakers vs. Rockets playoff game at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.

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