A Los Angeles Lakers fan is suing AEG-Crypto.com Arena alleging that he was mugged and assaulted in a bathroom during the November 2024 game between the Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies.
The fan, Efren Graves, attended the early-season game with his daughter, and the two had court-side seats to watch the action. Graves left his seat to use the nearest restroom, but according to Fox News, arena staff told Graves, “he couldn't use that restroom because it was being used by an unidentified ‘celebrity.’”
Graves walked further from his section, to the higher levels of the stadium to use the bathroom. While inside the upstairs restroom, Graves alleges that three men began harassing him over his watch and other jewelry.
According to Fox News, the suit states that he “was struck on the head and assaulted while trying to leave the restroom.”
Graves’s lawsuit against the arena includes premises liability charges, general negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The suit also states that Graves was robbed, but it did not specify what was taken from him.
According to Audacy, “Grave screamed for help, but the security personnel and staff allegedly were distracted by the game and were not paying adequate attention.”
Neither representatives from Crypto.com Arena or the Los Angeles Lakers have released a statement on the lawsuit at this time.
