NBA

Warning: This story contains details about alleged sexual abuse.

Zion Williamson denied all allegations that he raped and assaulted an unnamed woman in legal documents recently obtained by TMZ.

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Williamson’s denial comes a little more than year after being served a civil suit by a woman accusing the Pelicans star of rape, assault and various forms of abuse across a multiyear relationship.

Williamson suggests their sexual relationship was «friendly», «casual» and «consensual», according to the legal filings.

Here’s what you need to know.

MORE: Zion Williamson accused of sexual assault, abuse by ex-girlfriend

What did Zion Williamson say about relationship with rape accuser?

Williamson claimed that his relationship with the woman accusing him of rape was a consensual «friends with benefits» arrangement, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ.

The Pelicans star denied allegations that he assaulted her, saying their interactions were «pleasant and consensual.» According to TMZ, Williamson said that he and the woman never lived together. He labeled the allegation that he committed acts of domestic violence «nonsensical,» stating that he and the woman didn’t interact frequently enough for their relationship to be considered domestic, per TMZ.

Legal documents obtained by TMZ reportedly show Williamson arguing that California laws focused on sexual battery, domestic violence and stalking do not apply to him and the woman, as their alleged interactions reportedly took place in North Carolina, Texas and Louisiana. He denied accusations that he assaulted the woman anywhere.

Zion Williamson rape allegations

In May 2025, an unnamed woman lodged a civil suit against Williamson alleging that he raped and physically abused her. The woman, identified as Jane Doe in the filing, claimed that she and Williamson started dating around 2018 while he attended Duke. She alleged that the two remained in a relationship until June 2023.

The suit alleged that Williamson raped the woman twice in 2020. The first incident is said to have occurred in Beverly Hills, where Williamson lived during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doe accused Williamson of strangling her into unconsciousness on multiple occasions between 2020 and 2023. She also alleged that Williamson requested his security guards threaten to shoot her in the head «multiple times» and threaten to kill her parents, per the filing.

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She cited one such incident in 2022 in Louisiana. According to the lawsuit, Williamson pointed a loaded firearm at her head, «causing her to reasonably fear for her life.»

Doe claimed that many of Williamson’s alleged indiscretions took place while he «was either drunk or on cocaine.»

Williamson has denied all allegations. His attorney labeled the allegations as «categorically false and reckless.»

«This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance,» Williamson’s attorney told TMZ.

Williamson reportedly filed a police report against Doe alleging extortion. His attorney said he is planning to file a counterclaim seeking «significant» damages for Doe’s lawsuit.

«While these allegations are false, we recognize the seriousness of the claims and welcome the opportunity to prove the truth in court,» Williamson’s attorney said. «We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.»

Is there a criminal case against Zion Williamson?

Williamson is not facing criminal charges related to allegations that he raped and assaulted Doe. Her lawsuit is civil one, seeking monetary damages, including punitive damages, for emotional distress. ESPN reported that the woman is seeking «anywhere from $18 million to $50 million.»

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