Pelicans Scoop

Pelicans Owner Reacts to Shocking Zion Williamson Controversy

New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson spoke on accusations against star forward Zion Williamson
Matt Guzman|
Mar 13, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) brings the ball up court against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
Mar 13, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) brings the ball up court against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Smoothie King Center. | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

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New Orleans Pelicans

Lawsuits are lawsuits. It's just something that people do.

Speaking on recent allegations of abuse and rape made by an old romantic partner of Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson offered up little beyond outright denial of any claims made toward the team's star.

"People can sue you for anything," she said. "There's no reason. You can be innocent, or not, so it's just something that people do, unfortunately.”

You can read Benson's full statement below:

"We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless. 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. 

"Mr. Williamson and the plaintiff never dated, but did maintain a consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago, when he was 18 years old. 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. 

"Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff’s extortion attempts to law enforcement. We understand that an arrest warrant was issued in connection with that report, and we are prepared to provide the court with documentation that supports these facts."

The Pelicans and Williamson will move forward in court, if needed, to "fully vindicate" the forward from any accusations. And while Williamson's name draws attention to the case, it's unlikely to amount to more than a settlement.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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