New Orleans Pelicans star ahead Zion Williamson has been accused of rape in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles by a lady who claims to be his ex-girlfriend.
The grievance, issued on Thursday, Could 29, alleges that the 2019 No. 1 general NBA Draft choose assaulted the girl twice in September and October of 2020. In accordance with the lawsuit, Williamson and the girl, recognized as Jane Doe, had been in a relationship that lasted from 2018 to 2023.
The legislation agency that represents the Duke product, Freeman and Sarver LLC, denied the allegations in an announcement issued on behalf of Williamson.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them,” the assertion stated. “The allegations contained within the grievance are categorically false and reckless. That is the plaintiff’s third set of attorneys. This seems to be an try to use an expert athlete pushed by a monetary motive somewhat than any official grievance.”
The primary alleged incident of sexual assault happened at Williamson’s Beverly Hills dwelling. The plaintiff claims that the Pelicans ahead stated, “she couldn’t fall asleep with out having intercourse with him.” Upon her saying no, she claims Williamson raped her.
Throughout the second alleged assault in October, Jane Doe says that Williamson turned enraged when she was contemplating going to see a good friend in San Diego which led him to throwing her on the bottom earlier than pinning her shoulders to the ground and making the most of the girl.
The lawsuit additionally accuses Williamson of constant “abuse, rape, assault and batter” in opposition to the girl till the connection resulted in 2023. Nonetheless, Williamson’s representatives declare he and Jane Doe “by no means dated.”
“Mr Williamson and the plaintiff by no means dated, however did preserve a consensual, informal relationship that started greater than six years in the past, when he was 18 years previous,” the assertion stated. “That relationship ended years in the past. At no level throughout or instantly after that relationship did the plaintiff increase any considerations. Solely after the friendship ended did she start demanding thousands and thousands of {dollars}.”
With Williamson making headlines all through current years for his public relationships and lacking extra video games than he has performed, some on social media are suggesting this might be the ultimate blow to his popularity and taking part in profession.
TikTok consumer @ronknowssports even stated, “Zion Williamson simply went from disappointing participant to disappointing human.”
His ex-girlfriend Moriah Mills, who some speculate might be the accuser, additionally had some phrases for Williamson on TikTok. Mills and Williamson’s previous romantic relationship drew public consideration, significantly on account of Mills’ standing as a identified grownup movie actress.
Williamson plans to file a counter lawsuit and search damages for what his attorneys say is Jane Doe’s “defamatory lawsuit.” The Pelicans have but to reply with a touch upon Williamson’s allegations.
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