Zion Williamson rape accusation: Pelicans star's lawyer shreds accusations

Friday, Alex Raskin of the Daily Mail reported that New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson had been accused of rape and physical abuse by a Jane Doe claiming to be his former girlfriend. Williamson’s lawyer has since issued a statement, stating that his client is innocent and a victim of extortion.

“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them,” wrote Michael Balascio, Williamson’s attorney, Per Front Office Sports. “This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.”

Zion Williamson’s attorney has released a statement after the star has been accused of sexual abuse and rape in a civil lawsuit.

“The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless.” pic.twitter.com/7QGjemE3Sh

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 30, 2025

In lawsuit filed in Los Angeles, Calif., Williamson is accused of a continuing pattern of “abusive, controlling and threatening behavior toward Plaintiff,” along with the rape allegations: “We and our client do not want to litigate this case in the press,” Sam Taylor of the Lanier Law Firm said in a statement. “However, I will say this is a very serious case as reflected in the Complaint filed in Los Angeles County. Our client looks forward to her day in court before a jury of her peers to obtain justice in this matter.”

Details emerge of serious allegations against Zion Williamson

The filing states that Williamson and Doe began dating around 2018 while the former was a freshman sensation at Duke. Doe claims that Williamson raped her twice during the fall of 2020. The relationship allegedly lasted until June 2023. By then, Williamson had wrapped up his fourth NBA season with the Pelicans.

Balascio said that Williamson and the plaintiff never dated. He claims they had a “consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago.” Balascio confirmed that the relationship ended “years ago,” and claims that after the friendship, Doe began “demanding millions of dollars.”

“Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff’s extortion attempts to law enforcement,” Balascio added. “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.” 

Williamson, the 2019 No. 1 overall pick, just finished up his sixth season in the NBA. A hamstring injury limited him to 30 games, the fourth season in which he’s appeared in 30 games or fewer. Pelicans head coach Willie Green suspended him for one game in January for a violation of team policies. Williamson was late for a team flight to Philadelphia for a contest against the 76ers.

When on the court, Williamson produced. He posted averages of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Williamson shot 56.7% from the field and 65.6% from the free-throw line.