New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is pushing back hard against a civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles this week, in which a woman accuses the 24-year-old of rape and kidnapping during a years-long relationship. Through his attorney, Williamson called the allegations “false” and “defamatory,” suggesting the lawsuit is an attempt to exploit his status as a professional athlete.
In a statement to TMZ Sports, Williamson’s legal team said, “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless.”
The plaintiff, who filed under the name Jane Doe, claims she met Williamson while he was a student at Duke University. She alleges he subjected her to ongoing abuse, including sexual assault, and filed the lawsuit without first reporting the allegations to law enforcement.
Williamson’s attorneys counter that the two had a consensual, casual relationship that started when he was 18 years old and ended years ago. According to his team, no allegations or concerns were raised during or immediately after the relationship. Instead, they say Doe began demanding large sums of money after the relationship ended.
“Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff’s extortion attempts to law enforcement,” his lawyer stated. “We understand that an arrest warrant was issued in connection with that report.”
Williamson’s legal team says they intend to provide documentation supporting their side of the story and will file counterclaims seeking damages for what they describe as a defamatory lawsuit.
While he maintains the allegations are completely false, Williamson’s camp says they’re prepared to address the situation in court and allow the legal system to “expose the truth.”
As of now, there are no criminal charges filed, and the plaintiff has not contacted police, according to her legal representation.
