Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans basketball star, is facing a civil lawsuit alleging repeated sexual violence. Filed Thursday night in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the case centers on accusations from a woman who identifies herself as a former dating partner, accusing Williamson of abuse spanning several years and multiple states.
Details of the Lawsuit and Allegations
The plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe in court documents, claims she began a relationship with Williamson in 2018 during his freshman year at Duke University. The complaint outlines incidents of alleged sexual violence, including forced intercourse, occurring in California, Louisiana, and Texas between 2020 and 2023. Alongside sexual abuse claims, the lawsuit accuses Williamson of physical violence such as strangulation, issuing death threats, kicking, slamming the plaintiff with a car door, and suffocation until she lost consciousness.
According to the lawsuit, the initial incident of sexual violence took place in a Beverly Hills home leased by Williamson. The complaint further alleges that the athlete confiscated the plaintiff’s phone after the first two alleged assaults and her laptop following the second incident.
Responses from Williamson’s Legal Team and the Plaintiff’s Attorney
Michael Balascio, Williamson’s attorney based in New Orleans, issued a firm denial of the allegations. He described the claims as “categorically false and reckless” and accused the plaintiff of extortion, noting that law enforcement has been notified of the matter. Balascio also stated that Williamson and the plaintiff
“never dated, but did maintain a consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago,”
emphasizing that no concerns were raised during or shortly after that time. In addition, Balascio mentioned Williamson’s intention to file counterclaims seeking significant damages for defamation.
We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them,
Balascio said in a written statement provided to The Associated Press.
This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.
—Michael Balascio, Attorney for Zion Williamson
On the plaintiff’s side, her lawyer Sam Taylor II of the Lanier Law Firm in Los Angeles acknowledged the gravity of the accusations and the detailed nature of the lawsuit. Taylor said they will be cautious about publicizing aspects of the litigation but expressed confidence that the plaintiff
“genuinely looks forward to her day in court when she can tell a jury of her peers what happened to her and seek justice.”
We’re going to be very cautious about litigating this in the press,
Taylor said.
This is a very serious case as reflected in the allegations in the complaint, which are pretty detailed,
he added.
genuinely looks forward to her day in court when she can tell a jury of her peers what happened to her and seek justice.
—Sam Taylor II, Attorney for Plaintiff
Potential Legal and Professional Consequences
The complaint seeks monetary damages for emotional distress, including punitive damages. While the New Orleans Pelicans team acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit, a team spokesperson deferred comment to Williamson’s legal representation.
Williamson, selected as the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has averaged 24.7 points per game in his six-year professional career. However, his playing time has been limited by injuries, with only 214 games played out of 472 regular season opportunities and no playoff appearances, including missing the entire 2021-22 season due to injury.
Broader Context and Next Steps
This civil lawsuit introduces a serious legal challenge for Zion Williamson as allegations of rape and domestic violence carry significant implications both legally and for his professional reputation. The case will proceed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, with a trial likely to examine the detailed and severe claims made by the plaintiff. Williamson’s denial and plans for counterclaims indicate a protracted legal battle ahead, while the Pelicans and NBA are expected to monitor the situation closely.
The outcome of this lawsuit will be critical not only for the individuals involved but may also impact discussions about athlete conduct and accountability in professional sports. The case exemplifies broader societal attention on allegations of abuse and the legal responses to such accusations in high-profile settings.