Le'Veon Bell Ordered to Pay $25 Million in Damages in Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

March 12, 2025 – Former NFL star Le'Veon Bell has been hit with a staggering $25 million judgment in a civil lawsuit filed by his cousin, Jada Bell, who accused him of sexually abusing her over a decade. The ruling, delivered by a Franklin County, Ohio jury on February 26, 2025, marks a dramatic turn in a case that has drawn significant attention due to Bell’s high-profile career and the severity of the allegations.

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2023, claimed that Bell began abusing Jada when she was just six or seven years old, with the alleged misconduct continuing into her adulthood until she turned 18. The jury awarded Jada $20 million in compensatory damages and an additional $5 million in punitive damages, reflecting the emotional and psychological toll outlined in the case. Bell’s younger brother, La’Vonte Bell, was also named in the suit and ordered to pay over $11 million for similar allegations of abuse.

The case reached this point after a default judgment was issued against Le'Veon Bell in October 2024, when he failed to respond to the lawsuit. Bell, however, has denied the accusations through his attorney, Thomas W. Shaffer, who argues that the former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets running back was never properly served with the legal documents. Shaffer contends that this oversight constitutes a violation of Bell’s due process rights and has vowed to file a motion to reverse the default judgment. “This case has not been fully litigated,” Shaffer stated in a recent press release. “We intend to fight this and ensure Mr. Bell’s side is heard.”

For Jada Bell, the verdict represents a long-sought measure of justice. Her legal team described the award as a recognition of the “profound harm” inflicted over years of alleged abuse. While the civil case has concluded with this substantial financial penalty, no criminal charges have been filed against Le'Veon Bell in connection to these allegations as of now.

Le'Veon Bell, once a standout in the NFL known for his patience as a runner and lucrative contracts, has seen his public image shift dramatically since leaving professional football in 2022. Now 33, Bell has largely stayed out of the spotlight, though this lawsuit has thrust him back into public scrutiny. His legal team’s next steps will likely determine whether the $25 million judgment stands or if the case is reopened for further proceedings.

This is not the first time Bell has faced legal or financial challenges. His NFL career was marked by contract disputes and a notable holdout in 2018, and more recently, he has been involved in various business ventures and public feuds on social media. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for his finances and reputation.

As of March 12, 2025, the situation remains fluid, with Bell’s attorneys preparing their appeal. The story continues to unfold, raising questions about accountability, due process, and the long-term impact of such allegations on all parties involved.