Emily Willis, the 25-year-old former adult film star, has been left permanently disabled after her treatment for ketamine addiction at Summit Malibu, according to a recent lawsuit filed by her family. The complaint, lodged on December 27, 2024, in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, accuses the luxury rehab facility and its parent company, Malibu Lighthouse Treatment Centers, LLC, of negligence, abuse of a dependent adult, and fraudulent business practices.
The lawsuit recounts how Emily, whose real name is Litzy Lara Banuelos, checked herself in on January 27, 2024. At the time, she had been battling significant ketamine addiction, reportedly using between five to six grams of the drug daily for over a year. The family now claims the treatment she received at Summit Malibu led to her current state of being "permanently disabled" after experiencing catastrophic medical emergencies during her stay.
Before entering rehab, Emily was already struggling with severe mental health issues, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. According to court documents, she had been prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications to manage her condition. Despite her situation, drug tests taken upon admission to Summit Malibu showed no trace of ketamine or other substances, and she weighed about 100 pounds.
Following her admission, her health rapidly declined, and her family alleges she was neglected by the facility's staff. Although the intake documents promised close monitoring, the lawsuit claims staff observed her deteriorate over the course of several days without seeking necessary medical help. Reports indicate Emily exhibited alarming symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, lack of appetite, confusion, and tremors as her condition worsened.
The turning point came on February 4, 2024, when Emily was discovered unconscious by a nurse practitioner, who immediately notified emergency services and began CPR. Paramedics arrived and performed resuscitative measures for nearly 30 to 40 minutes before restoring her heartbeat. Unfortunately, the prolonged lack of oxygen caused irreversible brain damage, devastating her health and quality of life.
Emily was later transferred to hospital care, where she remained comatose until May 2024. Presently, she lives in a care home in Utah, where reports suggest she has regained some consciousness but remains unable to move or speak. Emily’s ability to track movement with her eyes is her only form of communication, leaving her family distraught.
James A. Morris Jr., the attorney representing Emily and her guardian Yesenia Lara Cooper, stated, "Had the staff followed standard medical protocols, Emily would have had the opportunity to regain control of her life. No patient should ever be subjected to such a horrendous breakdown in clinical care. Her health was ignored until it was too late, and now her life is forever changed.”
According to Morris, the staff's negligence is evidenced by Emily's severe dehydration, muscle atrophy, and mental disorientation throughout her stay. They allegedly left her condition unchecked until she suffered the cardiac arrest, which the lawsuit claims could have been prevented with timely medical intervention.
The legal document outlines multiple counts against Summit Malibu, including: professional malpractice for failing to respond appropriately to Emily's medical distress, abuse of dependent adult for neglecting her well-being, and fraudulent business practices due to the misleading portrayal of care standards the facility claims to provide.
Legal experts have noted the broader impact this case may have on the rehabilitation treatment industry, potentially leading to increased scrutiny and reforms aimed at enhancing the standard of care provided to patients, particularly among facilities catering to high-profile clients. "This lawsuit not only seeks accountability for Emily's specific case but also aims to address the serious systemic issues within rehab facilities," Morris added.
Emily Willis, once celebrated as one of the leading figures in the adult film industry, has seen her promising career overshadowed by addiction and misfortune since her debut in 2018. Winning multiple awards, including the prestigious Female Performer of the Year at the AVN Awards, her later struggles with substance abuse and mental health challenges pushed her away from her former life.
The family is adamant about pursuing justice for Emily, hoping their action will help prevent similar incidents from occurring at other treatment facilities. With their fight still underway, they seek not only damages for her medical expenses and suffering but also systemic changes to how rehabilitation centers operate.
This tragic situation sheds light on the need for more rigorous medical oversight and accountability within drug treatment facilities. While Emily’s future remains uncertain, her family's quest for justice aims to prevent the heartbreak they have endured from happening again.