Marcellus Wiley Accused of Rape in New Los Angeles Lawsuit
Former NFL defensive end Marcellus Wiley has been accused of raping a 22-year-old University of Southern California student in 1999, according to a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County on 27 October 2026, as reported by the New York Post.
The woman, identified in the complaint as Jane Doe, alleges the assault occurred while Wiley was playing for the Buffalo Bills. Gridiron Heroics also reported the allegations involving the former Pro Bowl defensive lineman, now 51.
Woman Alleges Assault After Los Angeles Nightclub Visit
According to the complaint, Doe first met Wiley in February 1999, and the pair went on two dates. She alleges she told him she was sexually inexperienced and did not want a romantic relationship.
Weeks later, Wiley allegedly invited her to a nightclub in downtown Los Angeles. The lawsuit states that he collected her from her USC dormitory before they went out together.
Afterwards, Doe claims Wiley repeatedly asked her to accompany him to the Hilton hotel near Los Angeles International Airport. She eventually agreed because it was late and she had no access to her car.
The complaint alleges that Doe agreed to stay overnight only after explaining that she did not want sex and intended to sleep immediately. Wiley allegedly acknowledged those conditions.
Doe claims she subsequently fell asleep fully clothed and awoke to Wiley sexually assaulting her. According to the lawsuit, she repeatedly pleaded “please stop” and told him, “You’re not listening to me.”
She alleges Wiley continued despite her objections and remarked on her shaking during the encounter.
Plaintiff Says She Reported Alleged Assault to Police
According to the complaint, Wiley later drove Doe back to her dormitory and told her during the journey that he had a sexually transmitted infection, advising her to seek testing.
The lawsuit states that the pair never spoke again.
Doe alleges she underwent a forensic sexual assault examination that documented bruising and detected Wiley’s semen. These are claims contained in her complaint, not independently confirmed medical findings.
She also says she reported the incident to police. According to her account, a district attorney contacted her on 15 April 1999, informing her that Wiley had denied the allegations and that criminal charges would not be filed.
The earlier decision not to prosecute is separate from the current civil complaint and does not establish whether the alleged assault occurred.
Attorney Seeks Accountability Through Civil Lawsuit
Doe is suing Wiley for sexual battery, assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Her attorney, Noah Werksman, said in a statement reported by the New York Post: “This lawsuit marks the first step toward holding Marcellus Wiley accountable for his horrific abuse of our client.”
Werksman also said his legal team intended to support Doe as she presented her allegations in court.
The lawsuit places the plaintiff’s account before a civil court, where her claims remain unproven.
Wiley Previously Denied Other Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The latest filing follows earlier lawsuits brought by women alleging sexual misconduct involving Wiley, including accusations connected to his time at Columbia University.
Wiley has denied those previous allegations, which concern separate incidents and plaintiffs.
The former NFL player has also faced domestic violence allegations involving his estranged wife, Annemarie Wiley. Florida prosecutors dropped a domestic battery charge against him in August 2026, citing insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
That criminal dismissal was separate from the civil proceedings. Wiley also denied his estranged wife’s allegations, describing them as lies.
According to the October 27 reporting, a request for Wiley’s comment on the new Los Angeles lawsuit was not immediately returned.
No finding of civil liability has been established in the newly filed case.
