Le’Veon Bell Fights Back Against Explosive Sexual Abuse Allegations Following $25 Million Judgment

Former NFL star Le’Veon Bell is fiercely denying allegations that he sexually abused a family member for nearly a decade, following a default judgment that ordered him to pay $25 million in damages. His attorney has called the ruling “bogus,” arguing that Bell was never properly served with the lawsuit and was denied his right to due process.

The Allegations: A Decade of Alleged Abuse

The lawsuit, filed in March 2024 in Franklin County, Ohio, comes from Jada Bell, who claims to be Bell’s cousin. She alleges that the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back began sexually abusing her when she was just six or seven years old. Bell, who is eight years older, allegedly used slang terms to direct her toward various sexual acts.

The suit claims the abuse continued throughout Bell’s college years and beyond, only stopping when Jada turned 18. According to TMZ, Jada submitted a police report in Columbus, Ohio, in October 2022, accusing both Le’Veon Bell and his younger brother, La’Vonte Bell, of sexual assault. However, no criminal charges have been filed against either of them.

Default Judgment: Bell Ordered to Pay $25 Million

By October 2024, a judge ruled in Jada’s favor, citing Bell’s failure to respond to the lawsuit. A jury trial was later held in his absence, which resulted in a staggering $25 million damages verdict against him:

• $20 million in compensatory damages
• $5 million in punitive damages

Meanwhile, La’Vonte Bell—who was also named in the suit—was found liable for more than $11 million in damages.

Bell’s Defense: “This Case Hasn’t Even Been Litigated”

Bell is now seeking to overturn the ruling, arguing that he never had the opportunity to defend himself in court. His attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, insists that Bell was never properly served with the lawsuit and wasn’t living in Ohio when the case was filed.

“My client adamantly denies any and all allegations lodged against him,” said Shaffer. “The default judgment was granted in violation of his Fifth Amendment rights to due process”.

According to Shaffer, Bell wasn’t even aware of the legal proceedings until the judgment had already been entered against him.

The Plaintiff’s Attorney Pushes Back

On the other side, Jada Bell’s attorney, John Camillus, argues that all necessary legal steps were taken to serve both Bell brothers.

Court records show that:

• Legal documents were sent to an address associated with La’Vonte Bell, and those filings were accepted.
• Documents sent to an address linked to Le’Veon Bell were not returned to the court.

After months with no response, Camillus requested a default judgment, which the judge granted.

NFL Career: A Legacy Now Overshadowed?

Before this legal battle, Le’Veon Bell was known for his dominant run in the NFL, amassing:

• 6,554 rushing yards
• 42 rushing touchdowns
• 399 receptions for 3,259 receiving yards

Bell played for several teams, including the:

• Pittsburgh Steelers (where he made a name for himself)
• New York Jets
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Baltimore Ravens
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Now, his football legacy is being overshadowed by these shocking allegations, with his reputation on the line.

What Happens Next?

Bell and his legal team are fighting to get the judgment overturned, arguing that the case hasn’t been fairly litigated. If successful, the lawsuit could be reopened, giving Bell the chance to formally defend himself against the claims.

For now, he remains adamant in his denial, calling the allegations false and the ruling a legal failure. However, with a $25 million judgment hanging over his head, his battle is far from over.