Zion Williamson Denies Shocking Sexual Assault Allegations And Announces Plans To Countersue

Yahoo

2 days ago

NBA star Zion Williamson has responded to shocking allegations outlined in a new lawsuit filed by a woman under the pseudonym Jane Doe, who claims he sexually assaulted, abused, and kidnapped her during their relationship.
In a statement to TMZ Sports, Williamson's attorney fired back at the allegations of sexual assault against his client, labeling them "categorically false and reckless."
The lawyer continued, "We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and reckless. This is the plaintiff's third set of attorneys. This appears to be an attempt to exploit a professional athlete driven by a financial motive rather than any legitimate grievance."
Elsewhere in his statement, Williamson's attorney claimed his client "never dated" the accuser. However, the attorney admitted the pair had a "consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago, when he was 18 years old."
"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," they added.
According to Williamson's attorney, the NBA star reported the "plaintiff's extortion attempts to law enforcement," and claims "an arrest warrant" was subsequently "issued in connection with that report."
They added that they were more than "prepared to provide the court" with documentation supporting the facts of the case.
Furthermore, Williamson's legal counsel said the Pelicans player plans to "file counterclaims and seek significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit."
"While these allegations are false, we recognize the seriousness of the claims and welcome the opportunity to prove the truth in court. We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson," the attorney said.
The lawsuit alleges that on September 23, 2020, Doe was raped and assaulted by Williamson at his Beverly Hills home.
In the legal documents, the accuser claimed the basketball player allegedly called her "stuck up" and a "b-tch" and told her she couldn't go to sleep "without having sex with him."
She also claimed Williamson, now 24, allegedly proceeded to choke and scream at her for "talking too much" after forcibly pinning her down and sexually assaulting her.
A month later, in October 2020, Doe said that another visit with Williamson allegedly went awry after she expressed her desire to visit friends in San Diego.
The legal documents further state that Williamson allegedly assaulted her following this exchange and then took her phone and laptop, preventing her from seeking help.
'These two incidents were not isolated,' the lawsuit reads. 'Williamson continued to abuse, rape, assault, and batter Plaintiff in California and other states, including Louisiana and Texas, until the relationship ended in 2023.'
Williamson isn't the only professional athlete being accused of allegedly assaulting a woman in a recent lawsuit.
In April 2025, Super Bowl champion and media personality Shannon Sharpe was sued by a 23-year-old woman in a Nevada court who, through her attorney, claimed the NFL player was abusive and controlling.
The negative attention following the lawsuit led to Sharpe stepping down from his role on ESPN's "First Take" and postponing his "Nightcap" podcast tour until the summer of 2026.
The athlete's attorney also addressed the claims in a statement and said Sharpe and his accuser were in a consensual relationship, one that reportedly involved roleplay.
Sharpe's lawyer also released alleged text messages between his client and the accuser to "clearly indicate the nature of their relationship."
His legal team continued, "These messages are just a sampling of a broader pattern of graphic, sexual communications initiated by [Doe]. The evidence paints a clear picture: this was a consensual, adult relationship that included role-playing, sexual language, and fantasy scenarios explicitly requested by [Doe]."
In a video statement, Sharpe also directly addressed the allegations, vowing to defend himself against the damning claims. He finished by thanking his family, fans, and friends for their "overwhelming and ongoing support."