New Orleans Pelicans owner Gayle Benson recently broke her silence to address Zion Williamson’s rape lawsuit. The 78-year-old entrepreneur expressed her support for her star player while the case is ongoing.
“You know, lawsuits are lawsuits. I mean you really can’t, you know…people can sue you for anything, there’s no, there’s no reason, you can be innocent or not, so it’s just something that people do unfortunately,” Benson said via WWL-TV.
Benson’s remarks come as Williamson faces serious allegations that involve sexual battery, domestic violence, and death threats, among others. A 12-page civil complaint was filed against the two-time NBA All-Star in Los Angeles by a woman identified as Jane Doe, who alleges a pattern of abuse that lasted for five years.
The New Orleans Pelicans star has yet to make a public statement on the matter, as he lets his legal team take charge of the lawsuit.
New Orleans Pelicans Rumors: Insider reveals Zion Williamson is no longer “untouchable” in trade talks
The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly considering trading Zion Williamson. They haven’t gotten much production from him in the last few years due to injuries.
In 2024-25, the Duke product averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals on 56.7 percent shooting from the field in only 30 regular season appearances. Because of this, Williamson could be traded by the team if the right deal comes along, per Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor.
“There are no untouchables in New Orleans. League sources say the Pelicans are gauging the market for everyone on their roster. They very well could end up keeping their core pieces, but it appears the Pelicans are looking into taking different paths this summer, depending on what opportunities become available,” O’Connor wrote.
