A woman has accused New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson of rape in addition to “sexual, physical, emotional and financial” abuse over the span of a multiyear relationship, according to a lawsuit submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday.

The woman, who is identified as Jane Doe, accuses Williamson of a “continuing pattern of abusive, controlling and threatening behavior” over the course of a relationship that started during Williamson’s freshman year at Duke and lasted from 2018 to 2023.

The 12-page civil complaint, obtained by ESPN, says Williamson’s alleged actions occurred in multiple states, including Louisiana and California.

“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them,” Williamson’s attorneys at Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Sarver, L.L.C. said in a statement. “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.”

The attorneys noted that Williamson and the woman had a “consensual, casual relationship” that ended years ago and that “at no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns.” They added that Williamson had reported the woman’s “extortion attempts” to law enforcement and that the two-time All-Star plans to file a counterclaim.

“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 attorneys said.

A Pelicans spokesperson deferred comment to Williamson’s legal team.