Nolan Wells Case: Three Young Men Sue Terrell Owens For Defamation Over Post

Three young men who were on the Horn Island trip where Nolan Wells disappeared are suing Terrell Owens for defamation after the NFL Hall of Famer publicly accused them of being involved in Wells' death.

Why did the three young men file a lawsuit against Owens?

Warren Hudson, Jax Pitalo and Morgan Seymour are named as plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit filed Monday. Their fathers filed the complaint on their behalf because the three young men are considered minors under Mississippi law, according to The Associated Press and The Guardian .

The lawsuit stems from a Sept. 26 post Owens made on X, in which he wrote, "ARREST THEM IMMEDIATELY!!" He also shared a video from Instagram that alleged the three young men killed Wells and tampered with his phone, per AP.

As Blavity reported, Owens had previously pledged $25,000 toward a reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Wells' death.

The lawsuit alleges Owens' post contributed to death threats, harassment and public scrutiny directed at the plaintiffs. Their attorney, Edward Paltzik, said Owens' post could have harmed his clients.

"Not only is he defaming them, he's basically saying to the mob, get your pitchforks, get your torches," he said, according to AP.

The lawsuit also alleges the plaintiffs faced ridicule and ostracism, including being refused service at some public establishments, The Guardian reported.

Wells disappeared after traveling with a group to Mississippi's Horn Island during a July 4 celebration. About 30 people traveled to the island by boat. Wells remained behind while the group returned to the mainland, according to members of the group. His body was found two days later.

A Mississippi grand jury declined to move forward with criminal charges in September, saying Wells' death was consistent with drowning. His family and attorneys have continued to question the circumstances surrounding his death, including pointing to unexplained bruising and findings from the autopsy.

Attorneys for the three young men have also indicated they intend to pursue claims involving Rev. Al Sharpton and The View co-host Sunny Hostin, according to the AP and Blavity.