Man Who Wore Diamond Watch to Lakers Game Alleges In-Lawsuit He Was Mugged in Arena’s Restroom
LOS ANGELES – A man who attended a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Memphis Grizzlies with his daughter on November 13, 2024, claims he was mugged and assaulted inside a restroom at the Crypto.com Arena.
The Incident
In a new lawsuit, the plaintiff, Efren Grave, said the incident occurred in an upstairs restroom after the arena’s staff allegedly told him the bathroom closest to his courtside seats was being occupied by "a celebrity." The celebrity in question was not identified.
The Lawsuit
Grave is suing AEG and the Crypto.com Arena, alleging battery, assault, premises liability, and general negligence. The suit also includes a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress on behalf of Grave’s minor daughter, who witnessed the alleged battery.
What Happened
According to the suit, Grave and his daughter were sitting courtside on the evening of November 13, 2024. During the game, the pair went to the nearest restroom, but the staff told them that it was occupied by a "celebrity," so they went upstairs to another bathroom. While washing his hands, three men approached Grave and began harassing him about the diamond watch and chains he wore, according to the suit. Grave was then struck on the head and further assaulted as he tried to leave the restroom. The complaint states that Grave was "robbed," but doesn’t specify what property was taken.
The Aftermath
Grave claimed he screamed for help, but the security personnel and staff allegedly were distracted by the game and were not paying adequate attention. The suit further states that it was "reasonably foreseeable" to employees that visitors to the Figueroa Street venue could be assaulted.
AEG’s Response
An AEG representative did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the suit brought Friday.
FAQs
- What is the nature of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleges battery, assault, premises liability, and general negligence, as well as negligent infliction of emotional distress on behalf of the plaintiff’s minor daughter. - Who is the plaintiff?
Efren Grave, a man who attended a Los Angeles Lakers game with his daughter. - What led to the incident?
The plaintiff and his daughter were told that the nearest restroom was occupied by a "celebrity," so they went upstairs to another bathroom, where they were allegedly mugged and assaulted. - What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is ongoing, with the plaintiff seeking damages from AEG and the Crypto.com Arena.
