Zion Williamson Denies Abuse in Civil Lawsuit

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson faces a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court by Jane Doe, who accuses him of rape, sexual assault, and a pattern of abuse from 2018 to 2023, with specific incidents allegedly occurring in Beverly Hills in 2020. The suit details allegations of sexual violence, physical, emotional, and financial abuse, and threats involving security personnel. Williamson’s legal team has categorically denied all accusations, asserted the relationship was consensual, and accused Doe of attempted extortion, reporting her to law enforcement and planning defamation counterclaims. The Pelicans organization has not commented, and the NBA has not issued a statement. The case is expected to proceed in court. Reports indicate the Pelicans are evaluating their roster's future, but a Williamson trade before the 2025-26 season is considered unlikely.