New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson has been accused by an ex-girlfriend of rape, according to a civil complaint filed in a Los Angeles court.
The civil complaint was filed on Thursday.
Court documents detail that the woman, who is unnamed, outlined allegations of an abusive relationship with Williamson from 2018 until 2023.
The woman alleges multiple instances of rape, strangulation, and domestic violence.
According to court documents, the woman began dating Williamson while he attended Duke in 2018. The documents outline abuse starting in 2020.
The woman alleges that the first rape happened in Beverly Hills, California, in a home that he rented while training.
On Sept. 23, 2020, the woman said she was picked up from a hotel and taken to Williamson’s home.
The woman claims she told Williamson she was tired and wanted to go to sleep, but he demanded they have sex, according to the court documents.
The woman then describes Williamson raping her, and taking her phone for several hours after.
The court documents also described a second rape on Oct. 10, 2020, at the same home.
The woman claimed she was leaving the home to visit a friend when she says Williamson became angry and forced her to the ground, raping her for a second time.
In this instance, the woman claims Williamson took her phone and laptop after and kept them from her.
The woman also outlined in the court filing accusations of strangulation, death threats to her and her family, and physical abuse involving being kicked, being slammed with a car door, and suffocation until she lost consciousness.
According to court documents, the woman said the sexual assaults, abuse, and rapes continued to happen in California, Louisiana, and Texas until their relationship ended in 2023.
The woman, who is being represented by the Lanier Law Firm, is seeking emotional and monetary damages.
This is not the first time Williamson’s relationships have been thrust into the public eye.
Last month, a woman romantically linked to Williamson was arrested and accused of stalking him.
Williamson’s attorney Michael Balascio issued the following statement regarding the allegations:
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless.
“This is the plaintiff’s third set of attorneys. This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.
“Mr. Williamson and the plaintiff never dated, but did maintain a consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago, when he was 18 years old. That relationship ended years ago.
“At no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns. Only after the friendship ended did she begin demanding millions of dollars.
“Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff’s extortion attempts to law enforcement. We understand that an arrest warrant was issued in connection with that report, and we are prepared to provide the court with documentation that supports these facts. Mr. Williamson also intends to file counterclaims and seek significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit.
“While these allegations are false, we recognize the seriousness of the claims and welcome the opportunity to prove the truth in court. We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.”
WDSU asked Balascio what law enforcement agency the extortion claims were reported to, but he declined to provide that information. Therefore, WDSU could not request those documents to verify the extortion allegations.
WDSU reached out to the Lanier Firm for a comment regarding the complaint, as well as the New Orleans Pelicans. At this time, a response has not been received.
READ MORE:New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson accused of rape
