Marcellus Wiley's Attorney Seeks to Withdraw Amid New Rape Allegations

Marcellus Wiley's family law attorney has filed a motion to withdraw from his divorce case, a day after the former NFL player was accused of rape in a new lawsuit. Attorney Lisa Helfend Meyer submitted the request to a Los Angeles County court on Wednesday, stating her desire to be relieved as attorney of record.

Meyer cited a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship, including Wiley's alleged failure to comply with their retainer agreement, respond to communications, and provide necessary information for her to effectively represent him. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for January 11.

Wiley retained Meyer earlier this summer after his estranged wife, Annemarie, filed for divorce and a domestic violence restraining order against him. Meyer and her firm represented Wiley during the restraining order hearings, but a judge granted Annemarie a three-year domestic violence restraining order against him on September 9. Annemarie had alleged that Wiley sexually abused and controlled her throughout their marriage, claims Wiley denied. The judge, however, found that Annemarie had met the burden of proof.

On Tuesday, Wiley was accused in a separate lawsuit by a woman who alleges he "viciously" raped her in 1999 when he was an NFL player. The plaintiff, identified as "Jane Doe," claims Wiley assaulted her in his hotel room and later told her he had "the clap" and advised her to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.

When asked for comment on the rape allegations, Wiley directed inquiries to MenTooProject.org, stating, "Visit MenTooProject.org and join us in the fight for truth, fairness, and justice. Thank you." This same message was provided when asked about his attorney's motion to withdraw.

A hearing previously scheduled for November 18 to discuss Annemarie Wiley's petition for child support, spousal support, and attorney fees remains uncertain following Meyer's filing.