Le’Veon Bell denies r-pe allegations after alleged victim wins $25 million civil suit

Former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell has strongly denied allegations of sexually assaulting his cousin over a decade-long period, despite an Ohio jury recently awarding the victim $25 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in Franklin County, Ohio, accused Bell and his brother, La’Vonte Bell, of engaging in nonconsensual incestuous relations with Jada Bell, starting when she was just six or seven years old and continuing through at least 2017.

The accusations surfaced after Jada Bell filed a lawsuit in March 2024, claiming that both Bell brothers had sexually abused her during her childhood and adolescence. According to court documents obtained by The Post, the jury awarded $20 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages to the victim. La’Vonte Bell was also found liable, with the jury ordering him to pay over $11 million in damages.

The lawsuit detailed that Le’Veon Bell allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim during his frequent visits to Central Ohio while he was in college and even afterward. One specific instance cited in the lawsuit claimed that Bell used “slang terms” to direct the victim, reportedly referring to oral sex as “fire.”

Despite the verdict, Bell’s attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, has maintained his client’s innocence. “My client adamantly denies any and all allegations,” Shaffer stated to TMZ. He also argued that Bell was never properly served the civil suit, which he believes violated Bell’s Fifth Amendment rights to due process. “The default judgment granted was based upon violations of his Fifth Amendment rights of due process for failing to be served,” Shaffer added. A motion to reverse the default judgment has been filed, as Bell intends to challenge the ruling in court.
John Camillus, the attorney representing the victim, refuted these claims. He told the Columbus Dispatch that all legal requirements for serving the lawsuit had been met under Ohio law. While court filings sent to La’Vonte Bell’s address were accepted, those sent to an address linked to Le’Veon Bell had not been returned to the clerk’s office. Shaffer countered this, saying Bell informed him that “he doesn’t live there.”
The victim had also filed a police report in Columbus in October 2022, accusing both brothers of sexual assault. However, no criminal charges were filed against either of them. After receiving no response to the lawsuit, Camillus filed for a default judgment, which was granted in October 2023. A damages hearing was held on February 25 and 26, leading to the substantial financial award.
Le’Veon Bell, now 32, had an impressive NFL career, starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he was drafted in 2013. He amassed 6,554 rushing yards and 42 touchdowns over his eight-year career, which included stints with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bell signed a lucrative contract with the Jets in 2019 but struggled to replicate his early success and left the league in 2021.
Also Read: Le'Veon Bell Allegedly Raped His Cousin Jada Bell for a Decade — Jury Awards Her $25 Million in Damages
Since stepping away from football, Bell has pursued a boxing career, winning his most recent match by unanimous decision in May 2024. Despite hinting at a potential NFL comeback last year, he has yet to sign with any team. As Bell seeks to overturn the judgment, the case remains unresolved, with further legal developments anticipated in the coming months.