Le’Veon Bell’s cousin has been awarded $25 million after accusing the former NFL star of sexually assaulting her for about a decade, starting when she was just six years old. The lawsuit filed in Franklin County, Ohio, claimed that Bell began engaging in incestuous relations with her without her consent, which continued until she turned 18 in 2017. The court documents revealed that the judgment was granted two weeks ago. Bell’s attorney denied the allegations against his client, stating that he had never been served with any civil complaint or documents and that the default judgment was based on violations of his Fifth Amendment rights. Bell also maintained his innocence on the streaming platform Twitch, vehemently denying the accusations.
Bell expressed shock and disbelief upon learning about the accusations against him, stating that the cousin who had accused him was someone who had been supportive of him at all his football games. He adamantly denied ever forcing himself on a woman and emphasized that he had never done anything without consent. Bell also highlighted his extensive experience with women, stating that he had his pick of the litter and had been with thousands of women but had never engaged in non-consensual behavior. The accusations were particularly shocking to Bell because they involved a family member, his own cousin. Bell’s younger brother, La’Vonte, was also ordered to pay their cousin $11 million in connection with the case, according to court documents cited by the New York Post.
The legal battle between Bell and his cousin has brought significant attention to the issue of sexual assault, particularly within families. The allegations made by Bell’s cousin against the former NFL star highlight the prevalence of such instances and the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by victims. The case sheds light on the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts to combat sexual assault and support survivors. The high-profile nature of the case involving a well-known athlete has sparked conversations about accountability, justice, and the importance of ensuring that victims are heard and believed when they come forward with allegations of abuse.
The judgment awarding $25 million to Bell’s cousin represents a significant legal victory for the survivor and a step towards holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The financial compensation serves as a form of restitution for the harm caused and the lifelong impact of the trauma experienced by the survivor. It also sends a message that individuals who engage in acts of sexual assault and abuse will face consequences for their actions, regardless of their status or connections. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of taking allegations of sexual assault seriously and providing support and resources to survivors as they seek justice and healing. The legal battle between Bell and his cousin underscores the need for ongoing efforts to address and prevent sexual violence in all its forms.
