A man who attended a Lakers game with his daughter in 2024 at Crypto.com Arena alleges in a new lawsuit that he was ambushed and robbed by three men in an upstairs restroom after being told by the staff that the bathroom nearest his courtside seats was occupied by a "celebrity."
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
Efren Grave's Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit brought against AEG- Crypto.com Arena alleges battery, assault, premises liability and general negligence. The suit includes a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress on behalf of Grave's minor daughter, who witnessed the alleged battery.
An AEG representative did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the suit brought Friday.
According to the suit, Grave and his daughter were sitting courtside during the Lakers' Nov. 13 game against the Memphis Grizzlies, won by the home team, 128-123. During the contest, 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, the suit states.
While washing his hands, three men approached Grave and began harassing him about the diamond watch and chains he wore, according to the suit, which further states that 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.
Grave 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.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM