Pelicans Zion Williamson Being Sued For Rape

Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans’ superstar and former No. 1 overall draft pick, is once again in the spotlight for off-court issues. On May 30, 2025, a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court accused Williamson of rape and a pattern of “abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior” toward a woman claiming to be his former girlfriend. This serious allegation adds to a series of controversies involving women that have plagued Williamson’s career in recent years, raising questions about his personal conduct and its impact on his professional future. Below, we explore the recent rape accusation and break down the issues Williamson has faced with women over the past few years.

The Rape Accusation: What We Know

According to a lawsuit obtained by the Daily Mail and reported by Puck News’ Eriq Gardner, a woman identified as Jane Doe alleges that Williamson engaged in abusive behavior, including two specific instances of rape, during their relationship, which she claims began when they were at Duke University. The filing details a pattern of controlling and threatening actions, such as:

• Following her home or sending friends to follow her.

• Accessing her phone and laptop without permission.

• Entering her apartment uninvited and rifling through her belongings in both California and Louisiana between 2020 and 2023.

• Threatening to kill her and her family.

The plaintiff’s legal team, represented by the Lanier Law Firm’s Sam Taylor, issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the case: “This is a very serious case as reflected in the Complaint filed in Los Angeles County. Our client looks forward to her day in court before a jury of her peers to obtain justice in this matter.” The statement also noted a desire to avoid litigating the case in the press. Williamson’s agent has been contacted for comment, but no public response from his camp has been reported at this time.

This accusation comes at a challenging time for Williamson, who has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a back injury and has faced scrutiny over his availability and leadership with the Pelicans. The lawsuit’s timing, just weeks after the birth of his second child with girlfriend Ahkeema Love, further complicates his public image.

Past Controversies Involving Women

Williamson’s off-court life has been marred by multiple high-profile controversies involving women, particularly since 2023. These incidents have fueled media scrutiny and public debate about his character and decision-making. Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:

1. Moriah Mills’ Allegations (2023)

In June 2023, Williamson and his girlfriend, Ahkeema Love, announced they were expecting a baby girl, a moment meant to be joyous. However, the celebration was quickly overshadowed by accusations from adult film star Moriah Mills, who claimed she had been in a relationship with Williamson while he was also involved with Love. Mills took to social media, posting a series of tweets that accused Williamson of cheating and lying about his intentions to relocate her to New Orleans. She shared alleged screenshots of their messages and claimed he had filmed their encounters.

Mills’ accusations escalated when she claimed Williamson physically abused her and paid her to keep silent, alleging he owed her $62,000. She also stated he provided a $107,000 monthly allowance, though she later threatened to release sex tapes if he did not comply with her demands. These claims, including the abuse allegations, were met with skepticism due to Mills’ lack of concrete evidence and her suspended Twitter account, but they significantly damaged Williamson’s reputation. Williamson briefly addressed Mills on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, dismissing her claims but not engaging further.

2. Yami Taylor’s Claims (2023)

Shortly after Mills’ outbursts, a third woman, Yami Taylor, who described herself as a “luxury living consultant,” came forward, alleging she too was dating Williamson during the same period. Taylor posted on Instagram Stories, claiming a relationship with Williamson and sharing a photo of him sleeping in bed as evidence. She also addressed Mills, suggesting they could both move to New Orleans together, further complicating the narrative of Williamson’s personal life. These allegations painted a picture of Williamson juggling multiple relationships simultaneously, leading to public criticism of his promiscuity.

3. Ahkeema Love’s Arrest (2025)

In March 2025, Ahkeema Love, the mother of Williamson’s daughter and newborn child, was arrested in Kenner, Louisiana, for allegedly stalking, threatening, and assaulting another woman romantically linked to Williamson. According to reports, Love egged the victim’s home, sent threatening messages on social media (including a threat to attack her “head” after giving birth), and physically assaulted her at Williamson’s house, leaving the victim with facial lacerations. The incident, which occurred on March 17, highlighted ongoing tensions in Williamson’s romantic life, as both women were reportedly involved with him. Love’s arrest added another layer of controversy, with some speculating that Williamson’s presence at the center of these conflicts reflects poorly on his ability to manage personal relationships.

Broader Context: Williamson’s Struggles and Public Perception

Williamson’s controversies with women are part of a broader narrative of challenges that have defined his NBA career. Since being drafted in 2019, he has played in only 214 of 424 possible regular-season games due to injuries, including a recent back issue that ended his 2024-25 season. His weight, which has fluctuated significantly (reaching over 300 lbs at one point), has been a point of criticism, with contract clauses tied to maintaining specific weight and body fat percentages. These clauses, part of his $197 million extension, reflect the Pelicans’ concerns about his long-term durability.

Off the court, Williamson’s leadership and commitment have been questioned. Reports of him being late to a team flight (resulting in a one-game suspension) and his frustration with the Pelicans’ offensive system in 2023 have fueled perceptions of immaturity. Combined with the allegations from Mills, Taylor, Love’s legal troubles, and now the rape lawsuit, Williamson’s public image has taken a significant hit. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith famously commented on the Mills scandal, noting that Williamson’s off-court distractions were particularly concerning given his limited playing time (only 29 games in the 2022-23 season).

The Pelicans’ organization faces a dilemma. Despite Williamson’s undeniable talent—averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game in his career—the team’s 15-43 record this season and reports of ownership considering a trade signal growing impatience. The rape accusation could further complicate his future with the team, as it may intensify scrutiny from fans, sponsors, and the NBA.

Flip the pages for the court documents.

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