Emily Willis’ family has received court approval for a $3 million settlement stemming from a lawsuit over the former entertainer’s medical emergency at a Malibu rehabilitation facility in 2024.
Willis, whose real name is Litzy Lara Banuelos, suffered an anoxic brain injury after being found unresponsive at Summit Malibu, according to court records and reports cited by The Independent. The injury left her requiring extensive, round-the-clock care.
Because Willis is unable to manage her own affairs, Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Susan Bryant-Deason approved the settlement on her behalf. Her mother, Yesenia Lara Cooper, was also a plaintiff in the lawsuit.
Willis Was Found Unresponsive at Summit Malibu
Willis was 25 when she was found unresponsive in her room at Summit Malibu on February 4, 2024.
She had been receiving treatment at the facility for ketamine addiction. According to reports surrounding the lawsuit, a nurse performed CPR after discovering her, while paramedics continued resuscitation efforts after arriving at the facility.
Her heart was eventually restarted, but the prolonged lack of oxygen caused an anoxic brain injury, resulting in severe and lasting impairment.
Reports said Willis did not have drugs in her system at the time of the medical emergency.
Family Lawsuit Alleged Failures in Clinical Care
Willis’ family filed a lawsuit in December 2024, accusing Summit Malibu and its parent company, Malibu Lighthouse Treatment Centers, of failing to provide appropriate medical care.
Her legal team characterized the incident in court filings as “a horrendous breakdown in clinical care.” The lawsuit alleged that warning signs of serious medical distress were missed and that appropriate medical protocols were not followed.
The allegations were disputed by the defendants.
According to court filings cited in reports, Summit Malibu and Malibu Lighthouse Treatment Centers denied wrongdoing and argued that Willis had repeatedly declined recommended medical assistance. The facility maintained that she was monitored during her stay.
These claims and defenses formed part of the civil litigation and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing simply because the case ended in a settlement.
$3 Million Settlement Ends Planned Trial
The lawsuit had been heading toward trial, with proceedings reportedly scheduled to begin on May 6, 2026.
The parties reached a settlement before the trial took place, making the planned proceedings unnecessary.
Court approval was required because of Willis’ condition and her inability to manage her own legal and financial affairs.
Her attorneys also reduced the amount requested for legal fees from $1.2 million to $1 million before the settlement received approval.
Willis Now Requires Full-Time Care
Following the medical emergency, Willis was moved from the rehabilitation facility to her mother’s home in Utah.
She now receives round-the-clock care as she continues to live with the consequences of her brain injury.
More recent updates from her mother have described some encouraging signs during rehabilitation, including Willis communicating through eye and head movements and showing progress with certain daily activities. However, she continues to face major physical and communication challenges.
Her family has continued to document her recovery and seek support for the extensive care and rehabilitation she requires.
Emily Willis’ Career Before the Medical Crisis
Before her health emergency, Willis had established a career in the entertainment industry.
She was named Penthouse Pet of the Month in May 2019 and later received the AVN Female Performer of the Year award in 2021.
Her career had made her a recognizable figure within the industry well before the medical emergency dramatically changed her circumstances.
A Settlement, Not a Finding of Liability
The $3 million agreement represents the resolution of the family’s civil lawsuit, but it is important to distinguish a negotiated settlement from a court verdict.
The defendants denied the allegations raised by Willis’ family, and the planned trial never occurred because the case was settled beforehand.
