A Los Angeles County judge has approved a $3 million settlement in a lawsuit filed against Summit Malibu, a rehabilitation clinic, on behalf of adult film star Litzy Lara Banuelos, known professionally as Emily Willis. The settlement resolves claims stemming from alleged negligence during Banuelos' stay at the facility in 2024, which resulted in irreversible brain damage.
Settlement Details and Legal Proceedings
The settlement, valued at $3 million, was approved by Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Susan Bryant-Deason. Judicial approval was required because Banuelos is unable to manage her own affairs. The agreement resolves claims brought by Banuelos and her mother, Yesenia Lara Cooper, who is also Banuelos' legal guardian.
Attorneys for Summit Malibu notified Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Mark A. Young on February 24 that a conditional settlement had been reached in the lawsuit. Court documents indicate that a request for dismissal is expected to be filed by September 1. The lawsuit, filed in December 2024, accused Summit Malibu of failing to provide adequate care for Banuelos while she was undergoing treatment at the facility for a ketamine addiction. Cooper alleged Summit Malibu’s “neglect, abandonment, recklessness and negligence” caused irreversible brain damage and permanent physical and mental incapacity.
James A. Morris Jr., an attorney for Banuelos, stated that the case was not straightforward. Morris wrote in a court declaration, "Having lived and breathed this case for nearly two years, I can state with confidence that Ms. Banuelos is significantly injured, but that this case was no slam dunk." The agreement came after Banuelos' attorneys reduced their requested legal fees from $1.2 million to $1 million.
Emily Willis' Condition and Background
Litzy Lara Banuelos, 27, suffered irreversible brain damage due to prolonged oxygen deprivation during her stay at Summit Malibu in 2024. She had been seeking help for a prior addiction to the drug ketamine. Banuelos suffered a heart attack in 2024 and is now in a vegetative state. Court filings state she occasionally opens her eyes or grunts but does not consistently respond to people around her. She can no longer move her body and remains in what her attorney described as a profoundly incapacitated state.
Banuelos performed in adult films under the stage name Emily Willis. She was a Penthouse Pet of the Month in May 2019 and won multiple Adult Video News awards, including Female Performer of the Year in 2021.
Prior Legal Matters
This settlement concludes a case that has spanned over two years. Prior to this, Banuelos was involved in a $5 million defamation lawsuit filed against fellow star Gianna Dior. That case was dismissed by the presiding judge in July 2025.
Key Facts
- A Los Angeles County judge approved a $3 million settlement for Litzy Lara Banuelos, known as Emily Willis.
- The settlement resolves a lawsuit against Summit Malibu, a rehabilitation clinic.
- Banuelos, 27, suffered irreversible brain damage due to prolonged oxygen deprivation during a 2024 stay at Summit Malibu for ketamine addiction.
- Yesenia Lara Cooper, Banuelos' mother and legal guardian, filed the lawsuit in December 2024, alleging negligence by Summit Malibu.
- Attorneys for Summit Malibu notified the court of a conditional settlement on February 24, with a dismissal request expected by September 1.
- Banuelos is in a vegetative state and is unable to manage her own affairs.
