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[Saba Sports News] Zion Williamson’s legal team is pushing back forcefully against serious allegations made in a new lawsuit filed against the New Orleans Pelicans star.
A woman claiming to be Williamson’s ex-girlfriend filed suit this week in Los Angeles County, alleging that the former All-Star forced her into sex on multiple occasions. She claimed their relationship lasted from 2018 to 2023 and accused Williamson of “abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior.” The lawsuit further alleges that Williamson choked her, threatened her and her family, and once pointed a loaded gun at her.
In response, Williamson’s attorney Michael Balascio issued a blistering statement Friday, calling the accusations “categorically false and reckless,” and announced plans to file a countersuit for defamation.
“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and unequivocally deny them,” Balascio said, per Erin Lowrey of WDSU New Orleans. “This is the plaintiff’s third set of attorneys. It appears to be a financially motivated attempt to exploit a professional athlete rather than a legitimate legal grievance. Mr. Williamson and the plaintiff never dated but did have a consensual, casual relationship that began over six years ago when he was 18. That relationship ended years ago.”
Balascio added that the plaintiff only made accusations after the relationship ended and had previously demanded millions of dollars from Williamson. According to the statement, Williamson reported the alleged extortion to law enforcement, resulting in an arrest warrant. His legal team says they are prepared to provide evidence supporting their claims and will pursue damages through counterclaims in court.
“While these allegations are false,” Balascio said, “we acknowledge their seriousness and welcome the chance to prove the truth in court. We are confident the legal process will reveal the facts and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.”
Williamson, now 24, was still at Duke University in 2018 when the alleged relationship began. Drafted first overall by the Pelicans in 2019, he just completed his sixth NBA season and is entering year three of a five-year, $197.2 million contract.
This is not the first time Williamson has faced drama off the court. In April, a woman allegedly involved with him was arrested at his home on stalking and assault charges. Years earlier, adult film actress Moriah Mills made headlines for publicly blasting Williamson after learning he was expecting a child with another woman.