Nicola Peltz Summoned to Court Following Her Dog’s Death in Ongoing Beckham Dispute
Amid ongoing family tensions, Nicola Peltz is gearing up for a court appearance regarding the passing of her cherished dog.
The spouse of Brooklyn Beckham, Peltz has been summoned by a New York judge for a deposition scheduled on October 30, as revealed in court documents obtained by Us Weekly.
This deposition is related to a lawsuit Peltz, 30, has filed against HoundSpa, a dog grooming business based in New York, along with its owner Deborah Gittleman and groomer Jony Ceballos.
In her lawsuit, Peltz claims that the defendants were directly responsible for the death of her chihuahua Nala, who passed away in June 2024.
During the deposition, Nicola will be required to permit the release of Nala’s medical records, particularly the necropsy report.
In her initial lawsuit, Nicola alleged that Nala died at the age of 9 due to “groomer’s abuse.”
Peltz reported that she had issues with Ceballos from the start of using HoundSpa’s services. Despite her concerns being known, Ceballos was dispatched to groom five of her dogs at her residence.
“Nala entered the grooming van as a happy and healthy dog, but returned wounded and in severe distress — heavy breathing and wheezing, her chest pulsating,” the lawsuit claimed. “As poor Nala suffered, Nicola hurried her to the vet, which was a fifteen-minute drive away.”
The lawsuit further stated, “The vet noted that Nala’s tongue was blue, there was fluid in her lungs, and she had suffered neurological damage. Nala required oxygen while Nicola emotionally witnessed her dog in distress.”
Nala reportedly passed away “just two hours” after being in the grooming van with Ceballos.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, alleging that Ceballos “not only failed to care for her properly but also violently mistreated and/or intentionally abused the dog, showing utter disregard for her safety, health, and well-being. Ceballos’ actions gravely and ultimately fatally harmed Nala.”
In February, Ceballos denied any culpability in Nala’s death.
Based on court documents obtained by Us, Ceballos’ legal team contends that Peltz’s lawsuit fails to “state a cause of action” and that she “did not perform as contractually required.”
Us Weekly has attempted to reach out to Peltz and HoundSpa for comments.
Peltz, who helped establish the dog rescue organization Yogi’s House in September 2022, announced Nala’s passing through a heartfelt social media post.
“This has been the hardest month of my life,” Nicola shared via Instagram. “I can hardly express the extent of my heartbreak. Nala was completely healthy when she visited the groomers but emerged hyperventilating and unable to breathe. We rushed her to the vet, yet she passed away hours later. I share this in hopes it prevents similar tragedies for other dogs.”
She continued, “Her life was stolen way too soon. She was my beautiful queen and stood by me for 9 years through everything. Please be cautious about who you trust with your dogs, as you never know what happens behind closed doors. One day without Nala feels like an age. I wish I could have her back in my arms.”
The news of the deposition arrives as Peltz and Brooklyn, 26, find themselves in a standoff with Brooklyn’s parents, David and Victoria Beckham.
Earlier this month, a source revealed to Us that the family “has not been in contact” since Peltz and Brooklyn — who wed in April 2022 — opted out of attending David’s 50th birthday party on May 3.
“No resolution has been reached by either party,” the insider stated.
The source added, “Brooklyn is attempting to let things settle and is giving everyone space,” which means he and his wife “are focusing on their lives” in Los Angeles.
“They have their own separate existences and are managing things for now,” the source elaborated.
