Nolan Wells' friends sue Terrell Owens for defamation
11 october 2026 в 12:13
Friends of Nolan Wells, a Black college student who went missing and was later found dead during Independence Day celebrations, have filed a defamation lawsuit against former NFL player Terrell Owens. The lawsuit is also filed against other content creators, and there are plans to file a lawsuit against Reverend Al Sharpton and The View host Sunny Hostin for their comments regarding Wells' death, according to the Associated Press.
Since three of the friends are under 21, their fathers filed the lawsuit. Owens, who is 52 years old, faced criticism after he posted on X calling for their arrest, stating: «ARREST THEM IMMEDIATELY! Like, yesterday», - just days after Wells' death when a grand jury in Mississippi declined to recommend charges against them. His post also included a link to a video that alleged the three friends killed Wells and switched out his phone.
The lawsuit states that «due to the actions of Owens and many other lesser-known individuals, these completely innocent young people have been subjected to thousands of death threats, face-to-face harassment, and daily fear and ridicule from strangers». Wells' friends also claim they decided to leave the island around 3:00 PM as the boat began to take on water, but Wells stayed behind to talk to a girl — a point his family disputes.
Wells went missing on July 4 during a party on an island off the coast of Mississippi and was found dead two days later. The district attorney’s office at the time reported that Wells' death «was consistent with drowning», - however, the autopsy report, the full text of which has not been released, revealed bruises on the back of his head. An independent report commissioned by Wells' family confirmed these findings. The family also claims that Wells' airways and stomach were free of water, which casts doubt on the drowning narrative.
Owens, who has over a million followers on X, also pledged $ 25,000 to a reward fund for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Wells' death. Edward Paltzik, the attorney representing the three friends, stated that «he is not only defaming them but is effectively calling for a mob to take up pitchforks and torches».
Since three of the friends are under 21, their fathers filed the lawsuit. Owens, who is 52 years old, faced criticism after he posted on X calling for their arrest, stating: «ARREST THEM IMMEDIATELY! Like, yesterday», - just days after Wells' death when a grand jury in Mississippi declined to recommend charges against them. His post also included a link to a video that alleged the three friends killed Wells and switched out his phone.
The lawsuit states that «due to the actions of Owens and many other lesser-known individuals, these completely innocent young people have been subjected to thousands of death threats, face-to-face harassment, and daily fear and ridicule from strangers». Wells' friends also claim they decided to leave the island around 3:00 PM as the boat began to take on water, but Wells stayed behind to talk to a girl — a point his family disputes.
Wells went missing on July 4 during a party on an island off the coast of Mississippi and was found dead two days later. The district attorney’s office at the time reported that Wells' death «was consistent with drowning», - however, the autopsy report, the full text of which has not been released, revealed bruises on the back of his head. An independent report commissioned by Wells' family confirmed these findings. The family also claims that Wells' airways and stomach were free of water, which casts doubt on the drowning narrative.
Owens, who has over a million followers on X, also pledged $ 25,000 to a reward fund for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Wells' death. Edward Paltzik, the attorney representing the three friends, stated that «he is not only defaming them but is effectively calling for a mob to take up pitchforks and torches».
© Puhova Marina
