Attorneys say claims include repeated acts of rape, assault, and emotional cruelty
LOS ANGELES – The attorneys representing a woman who filed a civil lawsuit late yesterday 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 are responding to the resulting media attention and requests with the following information.
“This case shows a disturbing pattern of coercive control, threats, and domination, including stalking, strangulation and threats with a loaded firearm,” says Doe’s attorney, Rachel Lanier of The Lanier Law Firm. “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 published response by Mr. Williamson’s attorney contains a number of misrepresentations, but this is not the time to conduct that debate,” says co-counsel Sam E. Taylor, also with The Lanier Law Firm. “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 cites 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 says 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, Ms. Lanier says the case was filed in Los Angeles because multiple violent assaults took place in that county.
About The Lanier Law Firm
For more than 30 years, the men and women at The Lanier Law Firm have worked tirelessly, throughout the United States, to find unique and effective solutions for their clients. More than 50 skilled attorneys practice law in a broad array of areas, including business litigation, pharmaceutical litigation, asbestos exposure, oil and gas litigation, personal injury as well as defective and dangerous products, among others. Named an Elite Trial Law Firm by The National Law Journal, The Lanier Law Firm has offices in Houston, New York and Los Angeles.
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