Zion Williamson has given the court his answer to a woman's allegations of sexual assault and abuse: He denies them.
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In a filing obtained by TMZ, the New Orleans Pelicans star describes his relationship with the woman as a consensual, casual "friends with benefits" arrangement. He says their interactions were infrequent, they never lived together and she was not harmed by him.
The woman, identified in the civil case as Jane Doe, filed suit in 2025. She alleges that Williamson raped and abused her over several years. Williamson and his representatives have denied the allegations since the lawsuit became public and have accused her of trying to extort him.
His new filing goes beyond a general denial. Williamson argues that several of the claims were brought outside the applicable time limits. He also contends that California laws cited in the suit do not govern alleged incidents in North Carolina, Texas and Louisiana, TMZ reported. He is asking for the case to be dismissed.
Those are his arguments for the court to consider, not findings about the allegations. No criminal charges have been reported in connection with the woman's claims.
The filing does make clear how the former No. 1 overall pick intends to fight the case. He disputes her account of the relationship, disputes that any assault occurred and challenges whether several claims can proceed at all.
The next meaningful development will come from the court, which must decide what portions of the civil suit move forward.
