The women alleged in separate lawsuits that Watson assaulted them during massage sessions last year in what they call “a disturbing pattern.”
What We Know:
- To date, 19 total women have accused Watson of sexual misconduct. According to NBC, the recent allegations come from women working as massage therapists in the Houston area. In one case, Watson allegedly directed a woman to massage his groin after asking her to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
- All of the 19 suits against Watson were filed by Anthony Buzbee, the lawyer representing the women. Buzbee’s team is currently investigating claims that could result in up to two dozen lawsuits. Rusty Hardin, Watson’s lawyer, has previously accused Buzbee of attempting to “inflame the public and malign Deshaun’s otherwise sterling reputation.” He stated his belief that any allegation against Watson is “completely false.”
- According to The Athletic, all but one of the women say they were initially contacted for massage appointments by Watson through Instagram. However, one lawsuit states that Watson is deleting his messages with these women and contacting them in hopes of settling. Watson’s attorney denied those allegations and believed one of the accusers previously tried to blackmail him.
- Watson’s marketing manager, Bryan Burney, claims to have spoken with the woman in January. He states the woman asked to be paid $30,000 for her “indefinite silence” over an encounter she allegedly admitted was consensual. This same woman alleges Watson coerced her into performing oral sex. According to Hardin, this places the legitimacy of the allegations into doubt.
- Watson has not made a public statement since March 16th. At the time, he stated, “I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect.” While no criminal charges have been filed against Watson, the NFL is investigating any possible violations of its conduct policy.
Watson was drafted in 2017 by the Houston Texans and led the NFL in passing yards during the 2020 season. Before the scandal, Watson requested a trade from Houston less than a year after signing a $156 million contract extension with the team.
