A woman filed a civil lawsuit in late May against NBA player Zion Williamson, accusing the New Orleans Pelicans superstar of repeated acts of “sexual, physical, emotional and financial” abuse during their five-year relationship.
Identified as Jane Doe, the woman is being represented by The Lanier Law Firm (Lanier), a national plaintiffs’ firm with offices in Houston, New York and Los Angeles.
“This case shows a disturbing pattern of coercive control, threats, and domination, including stalking, strangulation and threats with a loaded firearm,” said Doe’s attorney, Rachel Lanier. “Mr. Williamson used his wealth and fame to isolate, silence and control my client, who only after many months of medical treatment and counseling is able to come forward and describe what she endured.”
The firm’s attorney took issue with the response of Williamson’s attorney, suggesting that it “contains a number of misrepresentations,” said co-counsel Sam E. Taylor, also with Lanier. “But this is not the time to conduct that debate.
“We have every intent to take this matter to trial, openly hold Mr. Williamson accountable and send a message that no one is above the law, Each of these claims is supported by witnesses and corroborating evidence, but this filing still requires extraordinary courage on her part.”
In the lawsuit, the woman identified as Jane Doe states that Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, repeatedly raped and physically assaulted her before she ended the relationship in 2023.
The lawsuit also alleges multiple instances in which Williamson threatened to kill Doe and her family members, held her against her will and stole her cellphone and computer to prevent her from communicating with others. The lawsuit suggests many of the alleged acts occurred when Williamson, listed on the Pelicans’ roster at 6 feet 6 and 284 pounds, was drunk or using cocaine.
Although many acts of the alleged abuse occurred in various locations across the country, Lanier, who is the Managing Attorney for the firm’s Los Angeles office, said the case was filed in Los Angeles County because multiple violent assaults took place in that county.
