Zion Williamson is accused of rape and abuse by his ex-girlfriend

LOS ANGELES— Zion Williamson, NBA star for the New Orleans Pelicans, faces serious accusations in a civil lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, in which a woman who identifies as his ex-girlfriend accuses him of rape and repeated abuse.

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According to court documents cited by Yahoo Sports, the plaintiff —identified as Jane Doe to protect her privacy— claims she had a romantic relationship with Williamson from 2018, when the player was still a student at Duke University, until June 2023.

In the complaint, Doe alleges to have been the victim of two sexual assaults by Williamson, as well as a prolonged pattern of “controlling, threatening, and abusive” behavior.

Demand Details

The first incident, according to the complaint, occurred in September 2020, in a Beverly Hills residence. Doe claims she was taken to the location by people close to Williamson and that, after the player arrived late at night, he demanded to have sexual relations with her. Upon refusing, she states that she was restrained and sexually assaulted by the player.

The second episode would have occurred approximately a month later, following an argument in which Doe expressed her intention to visit a friend in San Diego. Williamson, according to the lawsuit, reacted violently and assaulted her again.

Legal and Media Repercussions

As of now, the complaint is civil in nature and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the allegations. Zion Williamson’s legal team has not issued any public comments on the matter.

The news generates a strong impact within the sports and legal environment, considering Williamson’s public profile as one of the main young figures in the NBA.

The NBA and the New Orleans Pelicans have not officially responded either. Both parties are expected to issue statements in the coming hours or days.