A woman, identified as Jane Doe, has filed a lawsuit against NBA star Zion Williamson in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeking damages ranging from $18 million to $50 million. Sources revealed to ESPN that the lawsuit was officially submitted on Thursday, prompting significant media attention. Williamson, who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans, has vehemently denied the allegations through his legal representatives.
According to the lawsuit, Doe claims to be Williamson's ex-girlfriend, with their relationship reportedly beginning when he was a freshman at Duke University in 2018 and continuing until 2023. The lawsuit alleges that during their time together, Williamson exhibited a pattern of abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior. The claims suggest that the abuse was not limited to one location, as it allegedly took place in several states, including Louisiana.
The lawsuit contains disturbing accounts of two incidents that purportedly occurred in 2020. One encounter detailed in the lawsuit took place on September 23, 2020, at Williamson's rented home in Beverly Hills. Doe alleges that when she declined Williamson's request for sex, he responded by calling her derogatory names and physically forced her into a sexual encounter, which she describes as rape. Following her resistance, Williamson is accused of choking her and throwing her phone across the room.
A second alleged incident is said to have occurred on October 10, 2020, when Doe expressed a desire to visit a friend in San Diego. Williamson allegedly reacted violently, physically overpowering her and committing acts of sexual assault. The lawsuit claims that he took her phone and laptop to prevent her from contacting anyone for help. Doe further alleges that Williamson continued to engage in abusive behavior throughout their relationship, which persisted until its end in 2023.
Doe's allegations extend beyond physical abuse, claiming that Williamson threatened her life and the safety of her family. Notably, she alleges that he threatened to pay a security guard to kill her and her parents. These serious claims have prompted her attorney, Sam Taylor of the Lanier Law Firm, to emphasize the gravity of the situation, expressing a commitment to seek justice in court.
In response to the allegations, Williamson's legal team has stated their intention to file a counterclaim against Doe for defamation, asserting that the claims presented in the lawsuit are categorically false and driven by a financial motive. They have characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to exploit Williamson's status as a professional athlete, highlighting that this is the third set of attorneys representing Doe.
Williamson's representatives further contend that he has reported Doe's alleged extortion attempts to law enforcement, claiming that an arrest warrant has been issued in connection with their report. They maintain that the relationship between Williamson and Doe was consensual and casual, and insist that any concerns were not raised until after their friendship ended.
Zion Williamson, who recently completed his sixth season in the NBA, has faced challenges both on and off the court. Injuries have hindered his performance, with him playing only 30 games last season. Additionally, Williamson’s personal life has been marred by controversy, including allegations made by adult film star Moriah Mills in 2023, who claimed they had a relationship and threatened to release private tapes. Compounding these issues, the mother of Williamson's daughter, Ahkeema Love, was arrested earlier this year for home invasion and other charges.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both parties are expected to present their cases in court. The outcome of this high-profile lawsuit could have significant implications for Williamson's career and public image.
