The NBA is used to drama. Usually, it's about trade requests, missed free throws, or load management. But in June 2023, the basketball world stopped talking about the court and started talking about a Twitter meltdown that no one saw coming.
It all started with a simple gender reveal. Zion Williamson, the powerhouse forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, posted a video with his girlfriend, Ahkeema, to announce they were expecting a baby girl. It was supposed to be a wholesome "new chapter" moment. Instead, it lit a fuse.
Minutes later, adult film star Moriah Mills began a scorched-earth social media campaign that lasted for weeks. She claimed she was in a committed relationship with Zion and had no idea about the pregnancy. The internet went into a frenzy. Honestly, it was one of the messiest celebrity stories in recent memory, and it nearly cost Zion his spot in New Orleans.
The Twitter Storm That Shook the Pelicans
Moriah Mills didn't just post a "we're over" tweet. She went nuclear. Over the course of several days, she shared alleged screenshots of Snapchat conversations, talked about Zion's personal habits, and even threatened to release explicit tapes of the two together.
She wasn't just mad; she felt betrayed. Mills claimed that Zion had been "taking care" of her financially, allegedly sending thousands of dollars for her rent and lifestyle in exchange for her silence and companionship. She even tweeted about moving to New Orleans to be closer to him.
The most jarring part? She alleged he was with her just days before the baby announcement.
The Pelicans organization was reportedly stunned. Zion’s weight and injury history were already huge talking points, but this was a different kind of liability. Rumors started swirling that the team was considering trading him before the 2023 NBA Draft just to distance themselves from the PR nightmare. Former NBA player Nick Young even went on record later saying the saga "almost got him traded."
Receipts, Payouts, and the "Trap Phone"
When people talk about the Zion Williamson and Moriah Mills situation, they usually focus on the drama, but the "receipts" were what kept the story alive. Mills shared images that appeared to show wire transfers from Zion. She claimed he used a "trap phone" to communicate and record videos.
- Financial Claims: Mills alleged she was being paid upwards of $100,000 a month at one point.
- The Tattoo: In a move that left everyone baffled, she actually got Zion's name tattooed on her face during the height of the drama.
- The Ultimatum: She demanded he pay her millions to keep her quiet, essentially turning the situation into a public negotiation.
Zion himself never spoke. Not a word. He didn't deny it, he didn't confirm it—he just went silent. His stepfather, Anderson Lee, eventually told a crowd at a charity event to believe "nothing of what you hear," but by then, the damage to Zion’s "Golden Boy" image was done.
Why It Matters for Zion’s Career
It’s easy to dismiss this as just tabloid gossip, but for an athlete with a $197 million contract, personal conduct is a business decision. The NBA has a "moral turpitude" clause, and while Zion didn't break the law, the distraction was massive.
The Pelicans’ front office, led by David Griffin, has always prioritized "culture." Having your franchise player’s name trending for weeks alongside an adult film star’s threats is the opposite of that.
The 2025 Legal Twist
Just when it seemed like the dust had settled, the story took a sharp legal turn in 2025. A woman identified as "Jane Doe" filed a civil lawsuit against Zion, alleging a pattern of abuse and assault between 2018 and 2023.
While this was a separate legal matter from the Moriah Mills tweets, the two became linked in the public eye. Mills actually reached out to high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee—the man who represented the accusers in the Deshaun Watson case—to try and join the legal fray.
Interestingly, Buzbee’s firm eventually declined to take her case. Mills took to social media again, feeling humiliated and claiming she had faced years of "bashing and slander" because of her involvement with the star.
The Fallout and Where They Are Now
Zion has spent the last year trying to rebuild his reputation through his play. He showed up to training camp in 2025 looking leaner and more focused than ever. He’s clearly trying to let his game do the talking, which is probably the only way to make people forget the "Moriah Mills era."
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As for Mills, her presence on social media remains a polarizing force. Some see her as a woman scorned who was used for her silence; others see her as a "clout chaser" who tried to extort a young athlete.
The reality is likely somewhere in the messy middle.
What We Can Learn From the Zion and Moriah Saga
This wasn't just a "celebrity hookup gone wrong." It was a masterclass in how social media can dismantle a carefully crafted brand in real-time.
If you're following this story to understand the "business of being an athlete," here are the takeaways:
- NDAs are only as good as the person signing them. Mills claimed she signed one but didn't care.
- Privacy is a luxury. In the age of screen-recording and "trap phones," nothing stays hidden.
- Silence can be a strategy. By not engaging, Zion eventually starved the story of oxygen, even if it took a year.
The Zion Williamson and Moriah Mills story is basically a cautionary tale for the modern era. It’s a reminder that for public figures, the line between private life and professional ruin is thinner than a baseline jumper.
Moving forward, the best thing you can do to stay informed is to watch how the Pelicans handle Zion's upcoming contract milestones. Their willingness to commit long-term will tell you exactly how much they've forgiven the off-court noise. Keep an eye on the official legal filings from the Los Angeles Superior Court if you want the facts on the 2025 civil suit, as that will likely be the final chapter in this long, complicated saga.