Zion Williamson Denies Rape Allegations, Claims 'Friends With Benefits' Relationship

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has issued a general denial to a rape lawsuit filed by a woman identified as 'Jane Doe,' asserting that their relationship was consensual and consisted of 'friends with benefits' arrangements. According to legal documents, Williamson claims the interactions were 'pleasant and consensual' and that any allegations of assault, battery, sexual battery, domestic violence, and stalking are beyond the statutes of limitations.

Williamson's legal team has stated that the plaintiff is attempting to exploit the athlete for financial gain and that he reported her alleged extortion attempts to law enforcement. They intend to file counterclaims for damages resulting from the 'defamatory' lawsuit, asserting that the truth will be revealed in court.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, accuses Williamson of rape and physical abuse, detailing a pattern of alleged coercive control, threats, strangulation, and threats with a firearm. The accuser claims the relationship began around 2018 when Williamson was attending Duke University and continued through June 2023.

Williamson's attorneys maintain that the pair never dated and had a casual relationship that ended years ago. They further claim the plaintiff did not raise any concerns during or immediately after their relationship, only beginning to demand money after it ended.

The legal filings span alleged interactions in California, North Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana, with Williamson denying misconduct in any of these states and questioning the applicability of California laws to the other three.

The accuser claims to have been raped twice by Williamson in late 2020 and a month later after he moved to Beverly Hills. She alleges that during these incidents, Williamson prevented her from leaving, controlled her phone and laptop, and caused her to fear for her life. Her legal counsel stated that the case involves a pattern of coercive control and that the plaintiff is coming forward after receiving medical treatment and counseling.

This legal battle comes amidst other recent personal controversies involving Williamson. In April, the mother of his daughter, Ahkeema Love, was arrested for allegedly stalking, threatening, and assaulting another woman romantically linked to the NBA player. Love faces charges including home invasion, aggravated battery, and stalking.

Earlier, in June 2023, Williamson's announcement of expecting a child with Love was clouded by allegations of an affair with adult film star Moriah Mills. Mills claimed Williamson had not disclosed his relationship or impending fatherhood, sharing alleged text messages and threatening to release intimate media. Her social media accounts were later suspended.