Family of Former Adult Film Star Emily Willis Wins $3 Million Settlement Over Brain Injury at Rehab Center

A Los Angeles judge has approved a $3 million settlement for Emily Willis, the former adult film actress whose legal name is Litzy Lara Banuelos, after she sued the Summit Malibu rehabilitation center. The lawsuit alleged that the facility failed to provide adequate medical care during her stay, leaving Emily Willis permanently incapacitated by a severe brain injury.

Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Susan Bryant-Deason approved the settlement and acted on Willis’ behalf because her injuries prevent her from managing her own legal affairs. Willis’ mother, Yesenia Lara Cooper, joined the lawsuit as a co-plaintiff.

Willis entered Summit Malibu in February 2024 to seek treatment for ketamine addiction. During her stay, staff found her unresponsive in her room after she suffered a medical emergency. They immediately performed CPR before paramedics arrived, but prolonged oxygen deprivation caused an anoxic brain injury, leaving Willis with permanent physical and cognitive disabilities. She now requires around-the-clock care.

Willis’ legal team accused the rehabilitation center of negligence and abandonment, arguing that staff ignored warning signs and failed to provide timely medical intervention. Summit Malibu and its parent company denied the allegations, claiming Willis repeatedly refused medical advice, declined recommendations to visit a hospital, and rejected prescribed treatment. They also argued that staff had no legal authority to compel her to seek outside medical care.

The parties reached the settlement before trial, but the court had to approve the agreement because Willis cannot make legal decisions independently. The settlement does not include any admission of liability by the defendants. Before the court approved the agreement, Willis’ attorneys also reduced their request for legal fees.

In court filings, attorney James A. Morris Jr. acknowledged that the case presented significant legal challenges. He noted that investigators have not determined the exact cause of Willis’ medical emergency and that uncertainty remained over whether anyone could have prevented her injuries.

Before leaving the adult entertainment industry, Willis established herself as one of its most recognizable performers. She earned Penthouse Pet of the Month in 2019 and won Female Performer of the Year in 2021.

Willis now lives with her family, who provide full-time support alongside ongoing medical care. The $3 million settlement will help cover her long-term treatment and daily care expenses while bringing the civil lawsuit to a close.