Overview

• Rafeal Joseph filed the federal lawsuit on Sept. 23–24, 2025, naming the University of Southern Mississippi, Omega Psi Phi and others.
• The suit alleges Nu Eta members beat pledges with a two-by-four paddle during a “Hell Night” on April 16–17, 2023.
• Joseph says he required emergency surgery and a blood transfusion for bruised ribs, a hematoma, posterior compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis.
• He alleges months of hazing starting in December 2022 that included sleep and food deprivation, threats and theft of money.
• The complaint claims USM failed to act after an earlier fall 2022 hazing injury, and notes Bakari Sellers represents Joseph as Omega Psi Phi declines comment and USM has not responded.