Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill Battles to Clear His Name After Hotel Incident Sparks Lawsuit

In August 2024, former Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill, known for pulling the trigger on Osama bin Laden, filed a lawsuit against the Omni Frisco Hotel in Texas. This legal action stems from an incident in August 2023, where O’Neill was accused of assaulting a hotel security guard and using a racial slur. O’Neill, who denies the allegations, claims the event has severely damaged his reputation and business, significantly reducing his speaking engagements, which once ranged from 250 to 300 events annually. O’Neill has not noted his current number of speaking engagements.

The incident began after O’Neill had a drink at the hotel bar following a long day of travel and speaking engagements. He acknowledges falling asleep at the bar but insists he never assaulted the guard, Johnny Lee Loomis, nor used a racial slur. O’Neill argues that the hotel’s security staff, particularly Loomis, acted negligently. The lawsuit claims that Loomis had a problematic past and should not have been employed in a supervisory role. O’Neill is seeking substantial damages for the harm to his reputation and career.

Rob O'Neill in NYC 2018
Rob O’Neill rockin’ a Rambo mugshot T-shirt in NYC circa 2018. Image Credit: Robert J. O’Neill

Former SEAL Team Six member O’Neill was awarded two Silver Stars and four Bronze Stars. He states he never assaulted anyone on the night in question. Loomis claims that O’Neill struck him in the chest with his right palm. Loomis, who is white, also claims that O’Neill called him the N-word during the incident. O’Neill was never convicted of assault against Loomis.

Regarding the racial slur, O’Neill commented:

“The color of one’s skin doesn’t matter when your life is on the line. The idea that I would use a racial slur against anyone is so preposterous, so beyond offensive to not only myself but all of my brothers who have served and fought with me; I deny it in the strongest terms.”