Zion Williamson is denying that he raped or abused a woman who sued him last year, telling the court their sexual relationship was “friendly and casual.”
The New Orleans Pelicans star issued a broad denial of the allegations in a new legal response and is asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit.
The woman, who has identified herself as Williamson’s former girlfriend, filed suit in May 2025 accusing him of sexual, physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Among her claims, she alleged that Williamson raped her and choked or smothered her on multiple occasions.
Williamson disputes that account.
The NBA player says the two never lived together and alleges that their encounters were “pleasant and consensual.” He also claims their relationship ended by May 2023 and says the woman repeatedly attempted to initiate sex when he was unavailable or traveling.
Zion Williamson getting in some offseason work.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 12, 2026
He’s looking healthy
(via krischrisp/IG, h/t @NBA) pic.twitter.com/gixKGyV3BP
Williamson is also challenging her domestic violence claim, calling it “nonsensical.” He argues that they did not share a home and did not interact frequently enough for their connection to qualify as a domestic relationship.
His legal team further contends that several of the woman’s claims were filed too late under applicable statutes of limitations.
Williamson has previously accused the woman of attempting to extort him, an allegation she disputes through her lawsuit.
The basketball star is seeking dismissal of the entire case.
