New Orleans Pelicans star and former No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson has been accused of rape and emotional abuse according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court and obtained by ESPN. Williamson’s female accuser, identified as “Jane Doe” according to documents, alleges Williamson put her through a “continued pattern of abusive, controlling and threatening behavior” over a five-year relationship that began during the former five-star’s career at Duke.
The Pelicans have yet to comment on the lawsuit involving their franchise player. The 12-page legal complaint alleges abuse across multiple states.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them,” Williamson’s attorneys at Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, L.L.C. said in a statement. “The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless. This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.
“While these allegations are false, we recognize the seriousness of the claims and…
