Judge Clears Gervonta Davis Civil Suit to Proceed After Video Release

The lawsuit from Davis' ex-girlfriend alleges battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Miami judge has cleared a civil lawsuit against boxer Gervonta Davis to move forward in court, one day after security footage was released showing Davis allegedly grabbing and dragging his ex-girlfriend out of a Miami strip club in October 2025. Davis' ex-girlfriend, Courtney Rossel, is seeking $5 million in damages, though the false imprisonment charges have been dropped. Davis has filed a countersuit claiming Rossel initiated the argument and attempted to extort him.

Why it matters

The ruling and release of the incriminating video footage are major setbacks for Davis, who was previously arrested for the incident and had been scheduled to fight Jake Paul in a lucrative matchup before the lawsuit led to his removal from the fight card.

The details

In the October 2025 incident, Davis allegedly grabbed Rossel, who worked as a dancer at the club, and forcibly dragged her out into the parking lot. While there was no audio and Davis did not appear to strike Rossel, the surveillance footage clearly shows the aggressive nature of the encounter. Davis was arrested in January 2026 after a two-week manhunt, but was quickly released on bond.

  • On October 27, 2025, the alleged incident between Davis and Rossel occurred at a Miami strip club.
  • In January 2026, Davis was arrested by Miami Gardens police for the incident.
  • On March 31, 2026, the security footage of the incident was released publicly by TMZ Sports.
  • On April 1, 2026, a Miami judge ruled that Rossel's civil lawsuit against Davis can move forward in court.

The players

Gervonta Davis

A 31-year-old professional boxer who was accused by his ex-girlfriend of battery, false imprisonment, and attempted kidnapping.

Courtney Rossel

Davis' ex-girlfriend who worked as a dancer at the Miami strip club where the alleged incident took place. She is seeking $5 million in damages in the civil lawsuit against Davis.

Miami Gardens Police

The police department that arrested Davis in January 2026 after a two-week manhunt following the alleged incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Davis' case is expected to proceed in Miami-Dade court soon, with an official date to be set shortly.

The takeaway

This case highlights the legal troubles and public scrutiny facing high-profile athletes, as well as the challenges of balancing due process and accountability when it comes to allegations of domestic violence and assault.