Emily Willis, a 25-year-old former adult film star, has been left permanently disabled following a catastrophic medical emergency at a luxury rehabilitation center in Malibu, California.
Willis, whose legal name is Litzy Lara Benuelos, suffered severe brain damage after experiencing a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment for ketamine addiction at Summit Malibu.
Her family has now filed a lawsuit against the facility, alleging medical negligence, inadequate supervision, and delayed emergency intervention, which they claim led to her irreversible condition.
Struggles with Ketamine Addiction Lead to Rehab Admission
Willis, who rose to fame in the adult film industry in 2018 and starred in over 700 films, had been battling a severe ketamine addiction before checking into Summit Malibu on January 27, 2024.
According to the lawsuit, she had been consuming between five and six grams of ketamine per day for approximately a year. This heavy usage had reportedly taken a serious toll on her physical and mental health, leading her to seek professional treatment.
Upon arrival at the facility, Willis was in a fragile state, exhibiting symptoms including bladder inflammation, depression, anxiety, PTSD, night terrors, and anorexia nervosa.
However, her condition continued to deteriorate in the days following her admission.
Signs of Medical Distress Ignored, Family Claims
According to court documents, Willis experienced a range of alarming symptoms in the days leading up to her cardiac arrest. She reportedly suffered from:
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Severe chills and tremors
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Disorientation and confusion
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Extreme fatigue and lack of appetite
Despite these red flags, the lawsuit claims that Summit Malibu failed to provide adequate medical attention. Her family alleges that staff members did not take her condition seriously and neglected to provide proper monitoring or escalate her care when it became evident that she was in distress.
On February 3rd, an emergency call was reportedly made for Willis, yet she was not transported to a hospital. Her condition continued to worsen until, approximately 26 hours later, she was found unresponsive in her room.
Cardiac Arrest and Delayed Emergency Response
Willis went into cardiac arrest and was without a pulse when she was discovered. CPR was administered for approximately 30 to 40 minutes before paramedics were able to restore her heartbeat. However, the prolonged lack of oxygen resulted in devastating brain damage. She was rushed to a hospital, where she remained in a coma until May 2024.
Now, nearly a year after the incident, Willis remains in a semi-conscious state, unable to move or speak, with only limited eye movement. She has been placed in a long-term care facility in Utah, where she requires around-the-clock medical attention.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligence and Fraudulent Business Practices
On behalf of Willis and her guardian, attorney James A. Morris has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Summit Malibu and its parent company, Malibu Lighthouse Treatment Centers, LLC. The lawsuit accuses the facility of:
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Negligence: Failing to provide proper medical care despite clear signs of distress
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Professional Malpractice: Allegedly ignoring standard medical protocols
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Abuse of a Dependent Adult: Leaving Willis in an unsafe and unsupervised environment
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Fraudulent Business Practices: Allegedly misrepresenting the quality of medical care provided
Morris, speaking on behalf of Willis’s family, 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.”
The lawsuit seeks damages for Willis’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of future earnings. It also aims to hold Summit Malibu accountable for what the family describes as gross negligence and reckless endangerment.
Summit Malibu’s Response and Broader Implications
As of now, Summit Malibu has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The high-end rehab center, which markets itself as a premier facility for addiction recovery, has faced scrutiny over its treatment protocols. This case has raised concerns about the oversight and accountability of luxury rehabilitation centers, particularly when dealing with patients experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and psychological distress.
Legal experts suggest that this lawsuit could have wider implications for the addiction treatment industry, potentially leading to increased regulations and stricter medical supervision requirements for facilities that cater to high-profile clients.
A Tragic Fall from Fame
Emily Willis was once considered one of the most successful performers in the adult film industry. She won several AVN Awards, including the prestigious Female Performer of the Year title in 2021. She had a devoted fan base and was frequently praised for her charisma and on-screen presence.
However, her career was not without controversy. In 2021, she was involved in a high-profile legal dispute when fellow adult star Gianna Dior accused her of sexual misconduct, claims that were later settled out of court. By 2023, Willis had largely stepped away from the adult film industry, struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
A Devastating Future Ahead
Now, at just 25 years old, Willis faces an uncertain future. The young woman who once captivated audiences is now dependent on full-time care, unable to speak, walk, or communicate beyond minimal eye movement. Her family continues to fight for justice, hoping that their lawsuit will bring accountability and prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.
The case against Summit Malibu is ongoing, and further legal proceedings are expected in the coming months.
This heartbreaking case highlights the crucial need for proper medical care in rehabilitation centers. It also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the devastating consequences that can arise when medical professionals fail to act swiftly.
While Willis’s future remains uncertain, her family’s lawsuit seeks to ensure that no other patient suffers the same fate due to negligence in addiction treatment facilities.
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