A woman identified as Jane Doe has accused New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson of rape and years of “sexual, physical, emotional, and financial” abuse, according to a civil lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles, per ESPN.
The alleged abuse, which began during Williamson’s freshman year at Duke and lasted until 2023, includes two instances of rape in 2020, physical assaults, and threats to her and her family.
The lawsuit, filed in multiple states, claims Williamson repeatedly choked the woman, entered her apartment without permission, and stole her belongings. She is seeking $18 million to $50 million in damages.
Williamson’s attorneys deny the allegations, calling them “categorically false” and describing the relationship as consensual. They say the woman attempted to extort him and that Williamson plans to file a counterclaim.
The woman’s lawyer emphasized the seriousness of the claims and said she looks forward to her day in court. The Pelicans declined to comment.
Williamson, 24, has struggled with injuries since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2019. He averaged 24.6 points over 30 games in the 2024–25 season.
