Woman Drops Restraining Order Against Rams' Puka Nacua

Accuser withdraws petition to focus on civil lawsuit against NFL player

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:49am

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A fractured, geometric painting in muted tones of navy, green, and orange, breaking down the movements of a football player into sharp, overlapping planes, conceptually representing the complex legal dynamics of this case.A fragmented, cubist depiction of a football player's movements captures the complex legal battle unfolding off the field.Los Angeles Today

Three weeks after a temporary restraining order request against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was denied, the woman who accused him of biting her has withdrawn the petition for the protective order. The accuser, Madison Atiabi, is now focusing on the civil lawsuit filed against Nacua on March 25, which alleges he made antisemitic remarks and bit Atiabi and her friend without consent.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal dynamics between restraining orders, criminal investigations, and civil lawsuits in high-profile incidents involving professional athletes. The withdrawal of the restraining order petition suggests the accuser is prioritizing the civil lawsuit, which could lead to a jury trial and potentially more significant consequences for Nacua if the allegations are proven.

The details

According to court records, Atiabi's lawyer Joseph Kar stated they withdrew the petition for the protective order to focus on the civil lawsuit that was filed against Nacua. The day before the lawsuit was filed, a judge had denied Atiabi's request for a restraining order, saying the court needed more information 'at a properly noticed hearing' before issuing any order. That hearing was held on Tuesday, when Kar made an oral request to dismiss the restraining order matter without prejudice, which was granted by Judge Debra R. Archuleta.

  • On March 25, a civil lawsuit was filed against Puka Nacua.
  • On the day before the lawsuit was filed, a judge denied Atiabi's request for a temporary restraining order against Nacua.
  • On April 15, 2026, Atiabi withdrew the petition for the protective order without prejudice.

The players

Puka Nacua

A wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams who has been accused of making antisemitic remarks and biting a woman and her friend without consent.

Madison Atiabi

The woman who has accused Puka Nacua of biting her and her friend, and filed a civil lawsuit against him.

Joseph Kar

The attorney representing Madison Atiabi in the civil lawsuit against Puka Nacua.

Levi McCathern

The attorney representing Puka Nacua, who has denied the allegations of antisemitic remarks made by his client.

Judge Debra R. Archuleta

The judge who granted Atiabi's request to withdraw the petition for the protective order without prejudice.

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What they’re saying

“A voluntary withdrawal allows for the merits of the civil matter to be thoroughly investigated and tried to a jury. Civil harassment petitions are not normally ever tried before any jury while the civil lawsuit will be proceeding on all counts to a jury.”

— Joseph Kar, Attorney representing Madison Atiabi

“Nacua was in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.”

— Joseph Kar, Attorney representing Madison Atiabi

“Levi McCathern, Nacua's attorney, has denied that his client made antisemitic remarks that night.”

— Levi McCathern, Attorney representing Puka Nacua

What’s next

A court hearing is scheduled for August 3 regarding the civil lawsuit filed by Madison Atiabi against Puka Nacua.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal dynamics between restraining orders, criminal investigations, and civil lawsuits in high-profile incidents involving professional athletes. The withdrawal of the restraining order petition suggests the accuser is prioritizing the civil lawsuit, which could lead to a jury trial and potentially more significant consequences for Nacua if the allegations are proven.