Emily Willis’ mum issues health update after daughter left ‘permanently disabled’ and $3m payout
Emily Willis' mum has issued an update on the star's health following the news she has landed a chunk of the $3 million the family were awarded in a settlement.
This was issued to the former adult film star and her family after a lawsuit claimed she was the victim of a a 'horrendous breakdown in clinical care' while attending the Summit Malibu rehab facility.
In January 2024, the 27-year-old checked into the facility for treatment for a ketamine addiction. But in February, she was found unconscious in her room and was rushed to hospital.
Willis ended up in a coma , 'permanently disabled' and was at one point said to be in a 'vegetative state'. The defendants denied wrongdoing and did not admit liability.
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And while it's said she is 'slowly recovering', it's said she'll get roughly $1.25 million of the settlement after attorney fees and liens.
Speaking to TMZ, Willis' mum, Yesenia Cooper, says that while the star is not verbal, she can communicate with her eyes and by shaking her head. It's said she can understand roughly 80 percent of what's going on.
Cooper says Willis is improving, 'getting better day by day' and continues to fight to 'live the best life possible'.
The outlet adds that the former adult actor is learning to walk again and needs help being fed. However, she can now sleep on her own and has gotten back to being able to watch the films and TV shows she enjoys.
Over the years, Willis has undergone over 10 surgeries and is now in Mexico working with 'top-tier therapists'.
Her family hope they can travel to Spain in order to undergo 'new neurological brain-related procedures designed to stimulate the systems that control speech, communication, and movement'.
Speaking in the wake of the settlement being reached earlier in July, attorney James A Morris Jr said 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."
Emily Willis' medical timeline
27 January 2024
Willis, then aged 25, checks into rehab facility Summit Malibu after developing a ketamine addiction, with legal documents saying she had been ‘ingesting five to six grams per day for a year’.
She also suffers from bladder inflammation, night terrors, anxiety, and PTSD, and was 16 pounds underweight.
30 January 2024
According to Summit Malibu’s notes (as detailed in legal filings), Willis was described as ‘disheveled, frail, disoriented’, and as having difficulty walking.
3 February 2024
Emergency services were called to Summit Malibu with Willis having difficulty breathing, but she was not transported to hospital.
4 February 2024
Willis is found unconscious in her room. Paramedics perform CPR for 30 to 40 minutes and rush her to hospital.
1 March 2024
Willis’ family launches a GoFundMe amid mounting medical bills.
8 March 2024
Willis’ family write on their GoFundMe: “Emily remains in a vegetative coma and is fighting for her life.”
2 May 2024
Willis’ family write: “Emily is showing some signs of responsiveness like eye tracking but is still unable to communicate.”
27 December 2024
Willis’ mother Yesenia Lara Cooper files a lawsuit against Malibu Lighthouse Treatment, the parent company of Summit Malibu, alleging they failed to care for Willis adequately and blaming them for her daughter becoming permanently disabled.
She alleges abuse of a dependent adult, professional negligence, general negligence, and unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices.
The treatment centre denies wrongdoing and claims Willis refused treatment.
November 2025
Willis' attorney James A. Morris, Jr. tells The Mirror US she 'remains bedridden due to her neurological injuries' and is unable to talk, but can make outward noises and 'move her body somewhat'.
15 July 2026
A Santa Monica judge approved a $3 million settlement. Malibu Lighthouse Treatment continues to deny wrongdoing and does not admit liability.
Topics: Adult Industry, Celebrity News, Emily Willis
Jess Battison