Zion Williamson Denies Accusations of Rape, Abuse Made in New Lawsuit

New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson has denied the claims of rape and assault that have been made in a new lawsuit and says the accusations are a ploy for money.

Williamson’s attorney gave a statement to TMZ about the allegations and promised to fight against the claims.

“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them,” the attorney wrote. “The allegations contained in the complaint are 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 also went into details about the relationship that he had with the accuser.

“Mr. Williamson and the plaintiff never dated, but did maintain a consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago, when he was 18 years old,” he said. “That relationship ended years ago. At no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns. Only after the friendship ended did she begin demanding millions of dollars.

“Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff’s extortion attempts to law enforcement,” the attorney continued. “We understand that an arrest warrant was issued in connection with that report, and we are prepared to provide the court with documentation that supports these facts. Mr. Williamson also intends to file counterclaims and seek significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit.”

On Thursday (May 29), a woman filed a lawsuit against Williamson and accused him of rape and “abusive, controlling, and threatening behavior.”

The lawsuit goes into detail about alleged sexual encounters that occurred without the woman's consent and alleges that the “wrongful acts” often occurred when Williamson was “either drunk or on cocaine.”