Latest news with #Defendant
New York Post
8 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Zion Williamson rape accuser seeking eye-popping $18 million to $50 million in bombshell lawsuit
The woman alleging Zion Williamson raped her is seeking 'anywhere from $18 million to $50 million' in the lawsuit filed Thursday in Los Angeles superior court, a source told ESPN. Williamson denied the allegations to The Post on Friday via his legal representatives. The woman, identified as Jane Doe in the lawsuit, claims to be the Pelicans star's ex-girlfriend, having allegedly started dating when Williamson was a freshman at Duke in 2018 until 2023. 'During the course of their relationship, Defendant engaged in a continuing pattern of abusive, controlling and threatening behavior toward Plaintiff,' the lawsuit reads, as obtained by The Post. 'His wrongful conduct occurred in Louisiana and continued thereafter across several states. The abuse was sexual, physical, emotional and financial in nature.' 4 Zion Williams is alleged to have committed rape in a new lawsuit. AP The lawsuit contains graphic details from a pair of 2020 encounters. Doe alleges in the lawsuit that she arrived on Sept. 23, 2020 to the Beverly Hills home that Williamson rented at the time and he requested sex. When Doe told the former No. 1 pick she was tired and wanted to go to sleep, he allegedly called her 'stuck up' and a 'b—h' and said she could not go to bed before sleeping with him. After she said no, the 24-year-old Williamson allegedly 'pinned Plaintiff down on the bed with her hands behind her back and raped her.' When Doe attempted to grab her phone, Williamson allegedly threw it across the room before choking her and yelling at her for 'talking too much.' A second alleged rape is claimed to have occurred roughly one month later on Oct. 10, 2020. Doe alleges to have told Williamson she wanted to visit a friend in San Diego and he said that she could not go while throwing items in the house. 4 Zion Williamson with the Pelicans during a March 2025 game. NBAE via Getty Images Williamson is then alleged to have 'picked her up, threw her down to the ground, and pinned her shoulders down so she could not move. Defendant violently raped Plaintiff in multiple ways.' Doe alleges Williamson then took her cell phone and laptop to prevent her from contacting anyone. The lawsuit alleges Williamson 'continued to abuse, rape, assault and batter plaintiff' in multiple other states until the relationship ended in 2023. 4 Zion Williamson allegedly began dating the woman while at Duke in 2018. AP Doe also claims Williamson threatened to kill her and her family, including an allegation of him threatening to pay his security guard to shoot her in the head and kill her parents. 'Our client is very adamant about this — it's not her desire or our desire to litigate this case in the press,' Doe's attorney, Sam Taylor with the Lanier Law Firm, said to The Post. 'It's a very serious case, as reflected in the allegations. Our client looks forward to her day in court where she can go and explain to a jury what happened to her, the things she endured for this defendant and getting justice.' Williamson's legal counsel said in a statement they plan to file a counterclaim against Doe and seek 'significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit. 'We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless,' Williamson's legal counsel told The Post. 'This is the plaintiff's third set of attorneys. This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.' 4 Williamson represented the Pelicans at the NBA draft lottery. NBAE via Getty Images The representatives added that Williamson has reported 'the plaintiff's extortion attempts to law enforcement' and allege that an arrest warrant was issued 'in connection with the report.' His representatives claim the two had a 'consensual, casual relationship' but never dated. 'That relationship ended years ago. At no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns. Only after the friendship ended did she begin demanding millions of dollars,' the statement provided to The Post on Friday read. 'While these allegations are false, we recognize the seriousness of the claims and welcome the opportunity to prove the truth in court. We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.' Williamson just completed his sixth season in the NBA — he did not play in 2021-22 — all with the Pelicans, and has struggled to live up to expectations due to injuries. He has played at least 60 games only twice, with the ex-Duke star appearing in only 30 games this past season. Williamson has dealt with off-the-court drama during his career. Adult film star Moriah Mills claimed in 2023 that the two had a relationship and she threatened to release alleged sex tapes featuring the pair. Ahkeema Love, the mother of Williamson's daughter, was arrested in April and charged with home invasion, aggravated battery and stalking after breaking into a woman's home and hitting her with keys, Kenner (La.) police said, as reported by NBC News. Williamson was not named in the probable cause affidavit from the incident.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Zion Williamson Accused Of Rape And Abuse In Horrific Claims By His Ex-Girlfriend
Zion Williamson Accused Of Rape And Abuse In Horrific Claims By His Ex-Girlfriend originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Pelicans star Zion Williamson finds himself at the center of the spotlight after a damaging new lawsuit threatens to dismantle his legacy forever. According to Los Angeles court documents, Williamson is now facing allegations of rape and domestic violence against a woman claiming to be ex-girlfriend. "Plaintiff and Defendant began a dating relationship in or around 2018 while the Defendant was a Freshman at Duke University. Plaintiff remained in a dating relationship with Defendant from 2018 through June 2023," the statement says, via ESPN. "During the course of the relationship, Defendant engaged in a continuing pattern of abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior toward Plaintiff. The abuse was sexual, physical, emotional, and financial in nature." The rape, which reportedly occurred in the "fall of 2020," in Beverley Hills, California. Besides abuse in the physical and emotional form, Zion also allegedly raped the victim and grabbed her phone away after she tried to call for help. "On or about September 23, Defendant raped and assaulted Plaintiff. The plaintiff was picked up by the Defendant's agent from a hotel where the Plaintiff's brothers were staying. When Defendant got home, Plaintiff told Defendant that she was tired and wanted to go to sleep. Defendant called her a 'stuck up' and a b*tch' and told her she could not go to sleep without having sex with him." The details are truly shocking and quite disturbing to read, but the full details have yet to be released. Since it happened in 2020, no legal charges will be pursued, and they are seeking justice in the civil court instead. Zion has yet to comment on the developing story, but it's not a good look for the young NBA superstar, and his team will be working to beat the accusations and restore his legacy. "We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them," Williamson's attorneys at Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver LLC 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." Sadly, this isn't the first time that Zion has had relationship issues. According to one of his previous partners, Moriah Mills, Williamson used to beat her and then offer her large sums of cash to stay quiet about it. She exposed him on social media, for the whole world, but it didn't stop him from making another poor woman his victim. The Pelicans star, who turns 25 in July, has had a rocky career ever since leaving Duke. With averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, he's been in and out of the lineup for the Pelicans with injuries and conditioning issues that have stunted his development. After one of his worst seasons yet as a Pelican (14th in the West at 21-61) his career sits at a major crossroads, and it'll be up to him how it ends. But until Zion gets sorted through all of his off-court drama, it'll be impossible for him to focus on the game and helping his team win at all story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Keyshawn Johnson suing NFL agent for nearly $1 million
Former NFL receiver and FS1's 'Speak' co-host Keyshawn Johnson is suing an NFL agent for nearly $1 million after Johnson says he was stifled out of finder's fees for players he discovered in order to be represented by the agent. The suit, which was first reported by TMZ and viewed by the Los Angeles Times, alleges that agent Christopher Ellison owes Johnson money for his efforts to help recruit four players now represented by Ellison, which include 49ers corner Deommodore Lenoir, Bears corner Jaylon Johnson, Falcons corner Mike Hughes and Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs. Johnson and Ellison are said to have entered into an oral agreement a decade ago and that he is owed back pay for his efforts in recruiting players after it was agreed that Johnson 'was to identify players, make the initial contact with them, and recruit them to be represented by' Ellison, the lawsuit, which was filed on May 23 in LA County Superior Court, alleges. Keyshawn Johnson during a game between the University of Southern California and Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. Getty Images 'In return for this player identification, recruitment and eventual entry into the highest level of the game of football, Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff a specific percentage of the player's signed contract with the NFL,' the lawsuit stated. 'Each year, Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff one-third of the (3%) three percent commission Defendant made on each of the players' salary.' The court filing stated that Johnson has not been paid the 'no less than $962,335' related to his work from securing player agreements. 'For several months, Defendant claimed he had not received any payments for the NFL's recruitment of the players he represents,' the lawsuit continued. 'It is our reasonable belief that this is false.' Ellison denied all the claims made in Johnson's suit, according to TMZ. Former USC Trojan and NFL wide reciever Keyshawn Johnson looks on during the first half between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. Getty Images Johnson is looking to be paid the full amount he believes he is owed, along with other damages, costs and fees.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Keyshawn Johnson sues NFL agent for almost $1 million from alleged 'oral agreement'
Former USC and NFL player Keyshawn Johnson is suing sports agent Christopher Ellison for nearly $1 million for allegedly breaking an oral agreement between them. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press) Keyshawn Johnson is suing a sports agent for almost $1 million. Johnson says he recruited several players, who are now in the NFL, to be represented by Christopher Ellison. The former NFL and USC star's claim is based on an alleged oral agreement the men made a decade ago to pay Johnson for his efforts. Most of the $1 million represents back payments that Johnson feels he is owed. Advertisement A lawsuit filed May 23 in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleges that Johnson and Ellison had agreed that Johnson "was to identify players, make the initial contact with them, and recruit them to be represented by" Ellison. Read more: NFL owners vote to keep 'Tush Push,' the Super Bowl champion Eagles' signature play "In return for this player identification, recruitment and eventual entry into the highest level of the game of football, Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff a specific percentage of the player's signed contract with the NFL," the lawsuit states. "Each year, Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff one-third of the (3%) three percent commission Defendant made on each of the players' salary." According to the lawsuit, Johnson successfully recruited four players — San Francisco 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir, Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson, Atlanta Falcons defensive back Mike Hughes and Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs — for Ellison but "has not received his earned percentage of Defendant's full commission." Advertisement Read more: Prep talk: Salesian is proud of its NFL alumunus, Deommodore Lenoir Ellison did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment. TMZ reports that the attorney and UCLA adjunct professor "denies all of the claims Johnson made in the suit." The lawsuit details each player's contract and states that Johnson should have been paid "no less than $962,335 from his work on securing these player agreements." But, according to the filing, no payment has been received. "For several months, Defendant claimed he had not received any payments for the NFL's recruitment of the players he represents," the lawsuit states. "It is our reasonable belief that this is false." Advertisement Since then, the filing alleges, Ellison "has become unresponsive to Plaintiff's demands for payment." Read more: NFL owners vote to allow players to compete in flag football at 2028 L.A. Olympics Johnson is seeking the full amount he states he is owed — as well as other damages, costs and fees — for causes of action that include breach of contract, unfair business practices and intentional misrepresentation. A two-time All-American at USC, Johnson was named the MVP of the 1995 Cotton Bowl Classic and the player of the game in the 1996 Rose Bowl. During his 11-year NFL career, Johnson made three Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since retirement, he has become a sports media personality and, according to his lawsuit, "currently works to coach and develop prospective NFL players." Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Keyshawn Johnson sues NFL agent for almost $1 million from alleged ‘oral agreement'
Keyshawn Johnson is suing a sports agent for almost $1 million. Johnson says he recruited several players, who are now in the NFL, to be represented by Christopher Ellison. The former NFL and USC star's claim is based on an alleged oral agreement the men made a decade ago to pay Johnson for his efforts. Most of the $1 million represents back payments that Johnson feels he is owed. A lawsuit filed May 23 in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleges that Johnson and Ellison had agreed that Johnson 'was to identify players, make the initial contact with them, and recruit them to be represented by' Ellison. 'In return for this player identification, recruitment and eventual entry into the highest level of the game of football, Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff a specific percentage of the player's signed contract with the NFL,' the lawsuit states. 'Each year, Defendant promised to pay Plaintiff one-third of the (3%) three percent commission Defendant made on each of the players' salary.' According to the lawsuit, Johnson successfully recruited four players — San Francisco 49ers defensive back Deommodore Lenoir, Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson, Atlanta Falcons defensive back Mike Hughes and Green Bay Packers receiver Romeo Doubs — for Ellison but 'has not received his earned percentage of Defendant's full commission.' Ellison did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment. TMZ reports that the attorney and UCLA adjunct professor 'denies all of the claims Johnson made in the suit.' The lawsuit details each player's contract and states that Johnson should have been paid 'no less than $962,335 from his work on securing these player agreements.' But, according to the filing, no payment has been received. 'For several months, Defendant claimed he had not received any payments for the NFL's recruitment of the players he represents,' the lawsuit states. 'It is our reasonable belief that this is false.' Since then, the filing alleges, Ellison 'has become unresponsive to Plaintiff's demands for payment.' Johnson is seeking the full amount he states he is owed — as well as other damages, costs and fees — for causes of action that include breach of contract, unfair business practices and intentional misrepresentation. A two-time All-American at USC, Johnson was named the MVP of the 1995 Cotton Bowl Classic and the player of the game in the 1996 Rose Bowl. During his 11-year NFL career, Johnson made three Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since retirement, he has become a sports media personality and, according to his lawsuit, 'currently works to coach and develop prospective NFL players.'
