New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is facing serious allegations after a woman filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of multiple acts of sexual assault, kidnapping, and physical abuse over a span of several years.
The complaint, obtained by TMZ Sports, was filed Thursday in Los Angeles by a woman identified as Jane Doe.
She alleges she began dating Williamson in 2018, during his time at Duke, and claims the relationship became abusive after he entered the NBA.
According to the lawsuit, the most severe incidents occurred in Southern California in 2020, including an alleged rape on September 23, after the woman says Williamson refused to let her sleep without sex, pinned her to the bed, and assaulted her.
The plaintiff also accuses Williamson of throwing her phone, choking her, and screaming at her during that encounter while reeking of alcohol.
Another alleged rape took place on October 10, 2020, after she attempted to leave to visit friends in San Diego, according to the filing.
The lawsuit claims Williamson confiscated her phone and laptop afterward, preventing her from seeking medical attention.
The complaint further states that “these two incidents were not isolated,” alleging the abuse continued in Louisiana, Texas, and other locations through 2023.
No criminal charges have been filed as of Friday morning, and Williamson has not responded publicly to the allegations.
The 24-year-old was limited to 30 games during the 2024–25 NBA season due to a lower back contusion and an earlier hamstring strain.
He was suspended by the team in January for reportedly missing a flight, and his status with the Pelicans has been under scrutiny amid the franchise’s disappointing 21–61 record.
Williamson averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists this season, though questions about his availability and conditioning have persisted throughout his career.
