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Kuwait Times
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Pelicans' Williamson accused of rape in LA civil suit
PHOENIX: Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans walks up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena on February 27, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. - AFP LOS ANGELES: New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been accused of rape in a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles, court filings showed on Friday. A filing made in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday by a woman identified as Jane Doe said the former No.1 NBA draft pick Williamson raped her at a Beverly Hills apartment on two occasions in 2020. 'These two incidents were not isolated,' the lawsuit states. 'Defendant continued to abuse, rape, assault, and batter Plaintiff in California and other states, including Louisiana and Texas, until the relationship ended in 2023.' The accuser is seeking damages for assault, sexual battery, domestic violence, burglary, stalking and false imprisonment. Williamson's attorneys said in a statement emailed to AFP the allegations were 'categorically false and reckless,' adding that the NBA star's legal team would seek 'significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit.' The lawsuit said the woman dated Williamson over five years from 2018 to 2023. 'During the course of their relationship, Defendant engaged in a continuing pattern of abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior toward Plaintiff,' the lawsuit states. 'His wrongful conduct occurred in Louisiana and continued thereafter across several states. The abuse was sexual, physical, emotional, and financial in nature.' The lawsuit adds that Williamson carried out 'acts of criminal violence' against the woman which included choking, beating and pointing a loaded gun at her head. The suit alleges Williamson was 'either drunk or on cocaine' during the assaults. Williamson's attorneys have accused the woman of trying to extort money from the Pelicans ace. 'We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and we unequivocally deny them,' a statement from legal firm Barrasso-Usdin-Kupperman-Freeman & Sarver said. 'This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.' The statement said Williamson and the woman had not dated but engaged in a 'consensual, casual relationship' that began when he was 18. 'At no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns,' Williamson's attorneys said. 'Only after the friendship ended did she begin demanding millions of dollars. Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff's extortion attempts to law enforcement. We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.' — AFP
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First Post
a day ago
- Sport
- First Post
NBA star Zion Williamson accused of rape in shocking lawsuit; ex-girlfriend demands massive payout
NBA star Zion Williamson is facing shocking rape and abuse allegations from his ex-girlfriend, who is seeking a massive amount in damages. Williamson has denied all claims through his lawyer but the case has stirred a controversy. read more NBA player Zion Williamson has been hit with a serious accusation that has sent shockwaves across the sporting world. His ex-girlfriend has filed a lawsuit against him, saying he raped her. The New Orleans Pelicans star has also been accused of abuse and violent threats during their relationship that allegedly lasted from 2018 to 2023. Details of the lawsuit filed against Zion Williamson The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, has claimed that the incident happened while they were still together. She also said this is not the only time he mistreated her. According to the lawsuit, the woman is asking for a huge amount of money as compensation from the basketball player. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The woman alleged the first rape occurred in September 2020 at a Beverly Hills home Williamson had rented during his training. She claimed that she was brought there by one of his agents, and that when she refused to have sex with Williamson that night, he allegedly pinned her down and raped her. A second incident allegedly took place just weeks later in the same home, after she said she wanted to visit a friend in San Diego. This time, she claimed that Williamson became violent, physically assaulted her, and raped her again. The lawsuit says he also took away her phone and laptop. According to the lawsuit filed by Jane Doe, she is seeking damages estimated to be between $18 million and $50 million in the high-profile case. Zion Williamson dismisses rape allegations Meanwhile, Williamson has dismissed the allegations by issuing a statement via his lawyer Michael Balascio. 'We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless.' 'It was a consensual, casual relationship that began more than six 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,' Balascio added. Williamson, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and is a two-time All-Star, has struggled with injuries throughout his career but still remains one of the league's most popular young players.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mock Trade Sends Suns' Kevin Durant to Surprise West Team For Top-10 Pick, Veteran Guard
Mock Trade Sends Suns' Kevin Durant to Surprise West Team For Top-10 Pick, Veteran Guard originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Phoenix Suns have a busy offseason ahead of them as they try to turn their franchise around after another disappointing season. Advertisement Phoenix finished the season 11th in the Western Conference with an abysmal 36-46 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2019-20 campaign. Of course, the Suns were expected to be a top team in the West thanks to their star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal but now the trio's future in Phoenix is in doubt. Jan 22, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Footprint Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports The Suns are expected to move on from both Durant and Beal this offseason to rebuild their roster around Booker. Because of this, Durant now enters the offseason as one of the main trade targets for other contending team and he has already been linked to many, including the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. Advertisement While those are just some of the teams Durant has been linked to, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman recently released a mock trade that would send him to a surprise West team in the New Orleans Pelicans. In the trade, Wasserman has Phoenix sending Durant to New Orleans in exchange for the seventh overall pick in the 2025 draft, C.J. McCollum, Kelly Olynyk, Jordan Hawkins, a top-three protected 2029 first-round pick and 2027 first-round pick swap via the Milwaukee Bucks. Stephen Lew-Imagn ImagesStephen Lew-Imagn Images This would be an interesting trade for New Orleans, especially after their terrible season that was riddled by injuries but with a new core of Dejounte Murray, Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson and Durant, they could be a contender next season. Advertisement For the Suns, they would upgrade their depth in this trade while also landing a top-10 pick in which they could use to take a center like Khaman Maluach out of Duke, who Wasserman originally had the Pelicans taking. Khaman Maluach. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images Despite this, the Pelicans may not be willing to give up this amount of assets for an aging Durant, especially after the season they are coming off of, and they may have no interest in Durant this offseason. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Zion Williamson's girlfriend Ahkeema's shares self-motivation story on Instagram amid r*pe allegation on New Orleans Pelicans star
Zion Williamson and girlfriend Ahkeema. Image via: ahh_concreterose/ Instagram As Zion Williamson faces a wave of serious allegations, his girlfriend Ahkeema took to Instagram with a message focused on self-love. Just as the New Orleans Pelicans star was named in a disturbing lawsuit accusing him of r*pe, assault, and emotional abuse, Ahkeema shared a post of self-motivation. The timing of her post has drawn attention, especially given the gravity of the claims now surrounding Williamson. Ahkeema shares an Instagram story amid recent allegations on Zion Williamson Ahkeema shares an Instagram story. Image via: ahh_concreterose/ Instagram Ahkeema, who has nearly 56,000 followers on Instagram, posted a collage featuring two selfies and a caption that read, 'Get to know me. My latest obsession, me.' The post arrived the same day Jane Doe filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing Williamson of years-long abuse. According to PEOPLE, the woman claimed the relationship began in 2018 during Williamson's time at Duke University and escalated into acts of violence, manipulation, and r*pe. Jane Doe alleged that she was r*ped twice in 2020, once in a Beverly Hills home Williamson allegedly rented while training during the COVID pandemic. Williamson allegedly called her 'stuck up' and a 'b*tch' before pinning her down and r*ping her. She accuses him of using cocaine and threatening to have his security kill her and her family. Her lawyer, Rachel Lanier of The Lanier Law Firm, described the case as one of 'coercive control, threats, and domination including stalking, strangulation and threats with a loaded firearm.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Lanier said her client had endured years of abuse and only after months of medical treatment and counseling, found the courage to come forward. Zion Williamson, through his attorney Michael Balascio, issued a firm denial. 'The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless,' Balascio stated. He claimed the relationship was casual and consensual, ending years ago. He asserted that 'at no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns.' Furthermore, Balascio said Williamson reported alleged extortion attempts by the accuser and is planning to file counterclaims, 'We understand that an arrest warrant was issued in connection with that report… We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.' Jane Doe's legal team responded through attorney Sam E. Taylor, asserting, 'We have every intent to take this matter to trial… Each of these claims is supported by witnesses and corroborating evidence.' Also Read: New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson accused of r*pe and years of abuse by former girlfriend in Los Angeles lawsuit While legal proceedings begin to unfold, Ahkeema's message stands out as a quiet declaration of self-worth in the midst of public chaos. Of course, the post appeared around the same time the news about Williamson broke, but it's possible she wasn't aware of it at the time.
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Zion Williamson accused of sexual violence against woman in lawsuit
Published May 30, 2025 • 2 minute read New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Matt Kelley / AP Zion Williamson is being sued by a woman describing herself as a former dating partner and who alleges the New Orleans Pelicans star committed repeated sexual violence against her. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The civil lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday night, identifies the plaintiff as 'Jane Doe.' She claims she began dating Williamson in 2018, when he played at Duke, and alleges that he engaged in abusive behaviour toward her in California, Louisiana and Texas from 2020 until their relationship ended in 2023. Williamson's New Orleans-based attorney, Michael Balascio, called the claims in the lawsuit 'categorically false and reckless,' and accused the plaintiff of extortion, which he said has been reported to law enforcement. 'We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them,' Balascio said in a written statement provided to The Associated Press. 'This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The lawsuit alleges that the first instance of sexual violence occurred in a home Williamson had rented in Beverly Hills, California. The lawsuit also alleges that Williamson temporarily took the plaintiff's mobile phone from her after the first two instances of forced intercourse and also took her laptop after the second. The complaint includes accusations of strangulation, death threats to the plaintiff and her family, and physical abuse, including being kicked, slammed with a car door, and suffocated until she lost consciousness. 'We're going to be very cautious about litigating this in the press,' said the plaintiff's attorney, Sam Taylor II, who is with the Lanier Law Firm in Los Angeles. 'This is a very serious case as reflected in the allegations in the complaint, which are pretty detailed,' Taylor continued, adding that his client 'genuinely looks forward to her day in court when she can tell a jury of her peers what happened to her and seek justice.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages — including punitive damages — for emotional distress. Balascio said Williamson and the plaintiff 'never dated, but did maintain a consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago,' when Williamson was 18. 'At no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns,' Balascio said, adding that 'only after the friendship ended did she begin demanding millions of dollars.' Williamson also intends to file counterclaims and 'seek significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit,' Balascio said. A Pelicans spokesman said the club was aware of the matter but deferred comment to Williamson's lawyer. Williamson was the first player picked in the 2019 draft. In six years as a pro, he has averaged 24.7 points per game. But has played in only 214 of 472 regular season games — and no playoff games — during that span because of a series of injuries, one of which caused him to miss the entire 2021-22 season. Toronto & GTA World Toronto & GTA World Columnists
