Previously undisclosed, the alleged victim in the Maxwell Hairston case has now been publicly identified as Rebecca Hendryx.
Maxwell Hairston is a professional American football player who was drafted in the first round by the Buffalo Bills in April 2025.
He played college football at the University of Kentucky, where he spent three seasons as a cornerback, recording 89 tackles and six interceptions.
Currently, he is facing a civil lawsuit filed in July 2025 that accuses him of sexual assault stemming from an alleged incident in March 2021 during his time at the University of Kentucky.
The plaintiff claims Hairston entered her dorm room uninvited, ignored her refusals, and assaulted her.
She reported the incident to law enforcement and underwent a forensic exam.
The lawsuit also includes a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, and the woman is seeking a jury trial and compensatory damages.
The name of the alleged victim, Rebecca Hendryx, was confirmed through public discussion, particularly her statement shared via social media and later reposted by Bruce Smith.
Rebecca Hendryx, The Accuser Of The Maxwell Hairston Case, Publicly Spoke About The Incident Exactly A Year Later!
Recently, Bruce Smith shared a post by Rebecca Hendryx from 3 years ago on the NFL Discussion forum.
He publicly mentioned that the previously anonymous person suing Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston in a civil sexual assault case is Rebecca Hendryx.
Smith’s post amplified Hendryx’s voice, revealing her identity and offering support for the survivor’s decision to speak out.
Hendryx, who had remained anonymous for over a year, broke her silence in a personal and emotionally charged message on March 25, 2022.
Originally from Cincinnati, she spoke about the alleged assault that took place on March 25, 2021, during Hairston’s early months at the University of Kentucky.
In her post, Hendryx described the trauma, humiliation, and frustration she endured over the past year while seeking justice.
She detailed the steps she took immediately following the incident, including contacting police, undergoing a forensic exam, securing a protective order, and pursuing legal action.
Despite gathering extensive evidence, including an audio recording, hospital reports, and witness testimony, criminal charges were dismissed due to the absence of “force.”
Hendryx expressed disappointment in both the legal system and the university. She called for a change in how college athletes are held accountable and how survivors of sexual assault are treated.
Her story highlights the systemic challenges survivors often face, even when they do everything society tells them is “right.”
In response to her post, her friends and other people expressed their support, saying:
My heart breaks for you and countless other women who have had similar experiences. Something must change. I personally feel we need more women in leadership positions at all the entities you mention. We need policy changes. I’m so, so sick of this!! Keep speaking your truth and keep being brave – you have so many people on your side – I wish that was enough to bring justice.
Likewise, another supporter added:
You did nothing wrong! Not fighting back (freezing) is the minds way of protecting oneself. So glad you know this! It was and is incredibly brave of you to share the truth. I pray your faith will keep you strong and that family and friends will continue to surround you with love and compassion. BIG hugs!!
She studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and currently lives in Cincinnati, where she is originally from.
In 2024, Rebecca graduated, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Recently, in July 2025, Hendryx filed a civil lawsuit in July 2025, four years after the alleged sexual assault that occurred in 2021.
It’s important to note that no official sources, such as law enforcement, court records, or university statements, have publicly named her in connection with the lawsuit.
Her identity became known solely because she chose to reveal it herself in a personal message seeking justice and transparency.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Maxwell Hairston attended West Bloomfield High School in Michigan and later committed to the University of Kentucky.
- He played in 32 games with 20 starts for Kentucky.
- Hairston was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 30th overall.
