Deaf Las Vegas woman wins $1.2M settlement after cop pulled her from car for “not listening”

LAS VEGAS — Andrea “Dre” Hollingsworth, a deaf woman, actress and influencer from North Las Vegas, received a $1.2 million settlement after a 2021 arrest in which an officer aggressively pulled her from her car and later slammed her to the ground as her twin daughters watched.

The North Las Vegas City Council approved the settlement last week, according to KTNV.

Police Responded to Harassment Complaint

Officers approached Hollingsworth on April 7, 2021, while investigating a harassment complaint filed by a woman who claimed Hollingsworth was stalking her, according to reports.

However, her daughters told police they were only trying to collect $200 in unpaid rent from the woman after moving out of her apartment, according to the same report.

Communication Barriers Escalated the Encounter

Body‑camera video shows Hollingsworth in her car signaling to the officer that she could not hear commands. Yet Officer Michael Rose continued issuing verbal orders and told her she was “not listening,” according to KTNV.

Because Rose wore a neck gaiter, Hollingsworth could not read his lips. Therefore, she struggled to understand why she was being confronted.

The lawsuit states Rose refused written communication and attempted to use her daughters as interpreters, according to court documents obtained by KTNV.

Video Shows Las Vegas Officer Forcing Deaf Woman to the Ground

Rose pulled Hollingsworth from the car and ordered her to sit on the curb before explaining the complaint. Then he warned, “Sit down or I will sit you down,” according to body‑camera footage.

Moments later, he forced her to the pavement and handcuffed her as her 11‑year‑old twin daughters cried.

The lawsuit says officers twisted her arms behind her back, restricting the hands she uses to communicate in American Sign Language.

Lawsuit Claims ADA and Civil Rights Violations

The complaint alleges officers ignored her disability, escalated the encounter and denied her effective communication, according to KTNV.

Although she was arrested, Hollingsworth was never cited or charged. She was later released from custody.

Settlement Requires New Training Policies

Under the settlement terms, North Las Vegas police officers must complete annual deaf‑sensitivity training.

The department also contracts with ASL Communications to provide interpreters when needed.

Hollingsworth, 40, shared her reaction to the settlement on Facebook on Feb. 19 after years of legal proceedings.

“It’s overrrrr! 4.5 years fought. NLVPD yall better never disrespect my Deaf community again,” she penned.