Emily Willis’ family has reached a $3 million settlement with the Malibu rehabilitation facility where the former adult film star suffered catastrophic brain damage that left her permanently disabled.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed in 2024 by Willis’ mother and legal guardian, Yesenia Cooper, against Malibu Lighthouse Treatment. The suit alleged the facility failed to properly care for Willis while she was receiving treatment for ketamine addiction at Summit Malibu earlier that year.
According to court documents, Willis is expected to receive approximately $1.25 million after attorneys’ fees and other deductions, while her mother will continue serving as her conservator. The defendants denied any wrongdoing and did not admit liability as part of the settlement.
The lawsuit alleged that Willis’ condition deteriorated rapidly after she checked into the facility in January 2024, leaving her frail, disoriented, dehydrated and unable to properly walk, eat or care for herself. According to the court filings, Willis was found unconscious the following month, and paramedics performed CPR for between 30 and 40 minutes before restoring her heartbeat.
The prolonged lack of oxygen allegedly caused irreversible brain damage. Willis was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital after suffering cardiac arrest and remained in critical condition. An early toxicology report reportedly found no drugs in her system.
Before her medical emergency, Willis was one of the adult entertainment industry’s biggest stars, winning Performer of the Year at the 2021 AVN Awards. She later moved into mainstream acting, appearing in the sci-fi film “Divinity.”