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New Orleans Pelicans Going forward, Zion Williamson was accused of a lawsuit filed with California on Thursday to rape a woman on two separate occasions. The two-time NBA All-Star has denied these claims.
The assault charges were first reported Friday by Eriq Gardner of puck. According to the trial filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the woman claimed she was in a relationship with Williamson while playing basketball at Duke.
New Orleans Pelicans Spider Zion Williamson (1) and Minnesota Timberwolves Guard Jaylen Clark (22) trying to go for a loose ball in the second half in Target Center on March 19, 2025. (Jesse Johnson-IMAGN images)
The couple allegedly dated from 2018 to 2023, where She claimed Williamson Engaged in a “pattern of violent, control and threatening behavior,” Gardner reported, shared an excerpt of the trial.
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The New York Post Also reported that alleged assaults took place in 2020. According to the report, the woman claimed that Williamson “picked her up, threw her down to the ground and attached her shoulders so that she could not move,” and then allegedly “violently raped plaintiff in several ways.”
The woman also claimed that Williamson was using violent language when she refused to be intimate with him.
In a statement from Williamson’s lawyers shared by the Pelicans, the NBA Star refused all claims.
“We take these accusations with the greatest seriousness and we deny them unequivocally. The allegations of the complaint are categorically false and ruthless,” the statement reads. Williamson’s attorneys added that the trial is “an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate complaint.”
New Orleans Pelican’s Spider Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket past Minnesota Timberwolves Forward Julius Randle (30) in the second half of Target Center on March 19, 2025. (Jesse Johnson-IMAGN images)
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“Mr. Williamson and the applicant never dated, but maintained a consensus, relaxed relationship that began more than six years ago when he was 18 years old. This relationship ended many years ago. At no time under or immediately after this relationship raised the applicant any concerns. Only after friendship did she end demanding millions of dollars.”
According to his lawyers, Williamson reported “extortion attempts” for law enforcement.
“We understand that an arrest warrant was issued in connection with this report and we are prepared to give the court documentation that supports these facts. Mr. Williamson also intends to submit counterclaim and seek significant damage to this defamatory trial. Although these claims are false, we recognize the seriousness of the demands and offer the opportunity to prove the truth. Process will give the truth out and fully to justify Mr. Williamson. ”
New Orleans Pelicans tip Zion Williamson looks at during the second half of the game against Dallas Mavericks in the American Airlines Center on February 21, 2025. (Jerome Miron-Preferred Pictures)
Williamson, 24, was the first overall election in 2019 NBA Draft. Despite a career destroyed by a long-term injury story, Williamson would continue to become a two-time NBA All-Star and was appointed NBA All-Rowie First Team.
