Puka Nacua biting and anti-semitism allegations, explained with his surprising defense

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua attends the UFC 326 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has been accused of biting a woman and uttering anti-Semitic remarks during a social gathering on New Year’s Eve . The latest incident is being described as a “shakedown,” according to Nacua’s lawyers, speaking to TMZ — but they do acknowledge some truth to the accusations, chalking it up to “horseplay.

” It’s the latest in a series of incidents which has put Nacua in the headlines, and there’s a lot to unpack on how we got here. Nacua was rarely talked about off-field until early December of 2025. It’s at this time he began spending time with podcaster Adin Ross, who has an established history of anti-Semitism .

This reached a head on December 16, when video emerged of Nacua laughing with Ross about the possibility of him doing a “covetous Jew” dance when he scored his next touchdown . The Rams’ receiver came under fire for the incident, and apologized later that week — saying that he had no idea what the gesture meant. “When I appeared the other day on a social media livestream, it was suggested to me to perform a specific movement as part of my next touchdown celebration.

At the time, I had no idea this act was antisemitic in nature and perpetuated harmful stereotypes against Jewish people. I deeply apologize to anyone who was offended by my actions as I do not stand for any form of racism, bigotry or hate of another group of people. ” Nacua has deleted the apology post off his Instagram account .