Emily Willis settlement reaches $3 million over rehab brain injury
Emily Willis’ family settled with a Malibu rehab facility after a lawsuit alleged negligent care left her with brain damage.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Emily Willis’ family has reached a $3 million settlement with a Malibu rehab facility after a lawsuit alleged the former adult film performer suffered catastrophic brain damage while in treatment, TMZ reported, citing court documents.
The deal resolves claims brought in 2024 by Willis’ mother and legal guardian, Yesenia Cooper, against Malibu Lighthouse Treatment. Cooper alleged the facility failed to properly care for Willis while she was being treated for ketamine addiction at Summit Malibu earlier that year, according to TMZ.
The defendants denied wrongdoing and did not admit liability as part of the settlement, TMZ reported.
What happened to Emily Willis at rehab?
According to the lawsuit described by TMZ, Willis entered the facility in January 2024 and her condition allegedly worsened quickly. The complaint claimed she became frail, confused, dehydrated and unable to walk, eat or care for herself properly.
Court documents cited by TMZ say Willis was found unconscious the next month. Paramedics performed CPR for 30 to 40 minutes before her heartbeat returned, according to the documents.
The lawsuit alleged that the extended period without enough oxygen caused permanent brain damage. TMZ reported that Willis was left permanently disabled.
TMZ previously reported that Willis was taken to a Los Angeles hospital after cardiac arrest and remained in critical condition. An early toxicology report found no drugs in her system, according to TMZ.
How much will Emily Willis receive?
Court documents cited by TMZ say Willis is expected to receive about $1.25 million from the settlement after attorneys’ fees and liens are paid.
Cooper will continue serving as Willis’ conservator, according to the same court records. A conservator is a person appointed to make decisions for someone who cannot manage personal, medical or financial matters on their own.
The settlement amount is larger than Willis’ expected direct recovery because legal fees, liens and related costs are deducted before funds are distributed, according to the court documents reported by TMZ.
Who is Emily Willis?
Willis was one of the adult industry’s best-known performers before her medical crisis. TMZ reported that she won Performer of the Year at the 2021 AVN Awards.
She later moved into mainstream acting, including an appearance in the sci-fi film Divinity, according to TMZ. The settlement closes the civil case over her treatment, while the defendants continue to deny the allegations and have admitted no liability.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.