This article discusses domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788.
Lakeeta Vaccaro Hill alleged that her estranged husband, Tyreek Hill, attempted to punch at her stomach while she was pregnant with his child in July 2024.
Vaccaro Hill made the accusation on the first day of her civil trial against Hill on Tuesday, Oct. 6 in Miami. She is suing Hill for punitive and compensatory damages as part of divorce proceedings.
A livestream of the trial's first day saw Vaccaro Hill describe the alleged July 2024 incident, which she said occurred after she and Hill visited ESPN's headquarters.
Vaccaro Hill said during direct examination
the argument between the two stemmed from her declining to have her hair and makeup done professionally for potential interviews at ESPN. Hill was upset with her decision and tried to punch her stomach when the two returned to their hotel, she said.
Vaccaro Hill said she managed to block the strike by placing her hands over her stomach, but Hill still made contact with her hands. She also alleged that Hill told her he didn't want the baby and ripped and pulled out her hair in what she described as "probably the worst of all these abuse times."
"He treated me like I was just a man," Vaccaro Hill said of the July 2024 incident. "It was so violent. It hurt me so bad."
Vaccaro Hill's domestic violence allegation was one of many levied against Hill during Tuesday's proceedings. She also outlined an incident during which Hill allegedly grabbed a necklace off her neck, another where he allegedly broke her computer, tried to rip off her wedding ring and twisted her breasts – which led her to call the police – and another during which Hill, while driving, allegedly pushed her against the car door, told her to exit the vehicle and left her stranded on the side of the road at 11 p.m. while she was several months pregnant.
"I've endured a lot of abuse during this marriage, and I've been very silent," Vaccaro Hill said on Tuesday.
Hill has denied the allegations against him and was present in the courtroom during the trial's first day. It is expected to continue on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
It isn't clear whether Hill's civil trial will impact his potential return to the NFL. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, indicated the 32-year-old would likely sign with a team in the coming days now that he is fully recovered from a catastrophic knee injury that prematurely ended his 2025 season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyreek Hill's estranged wife accuses WR of abuse during first day of civil trial
