A total of 21 civil lawsuits have been filed against Dehat Watson, accusing the Texas quarterback of improper conduct and sexual harassment.
Houston attorney Tony Boogeby filed the first three lawsuits on March 16 and 17 that included allegations from multiple massage therapists related to separate incidents. Buzzbee wrote in a lawsuit that Watson’s behavior is “a disturbing pattern of preying on vulnerable women”. Per ESPN’s Sarah Barshop.
The lawsuits have been filed by all women who accuse Watson of sexual misconduct ranging from inappropriate touching to forced oral sex.
Here we know about those lawsuits so far, how Watson and the NFL have responded to the allegations.
What is known about the lawsuits against the countryside Watson
Case 1 and 2
First two The lawsuits were filed by Buzzbee in Harris County, Texas. The first lawsuit stems from an incident at a massage therapist’s home in March 2020, and the second lawsuit stems from an incident in August 2020 at The Hoostonian Hotel, Club and Spa. Both of those lawsuits are female massage therapists filed as plaintiff Jane Mas Do.
Both lawsuits allege that Watson committed a civil assault by exposing himself and touching the plaintiff with his penis. Both lawsuits have also stated that the plaintiff became “uncomfortable” during the massage, and that the women abruptly ended their sessions after Watson acted inappropriately. He did not respond to any additional communication attempts from Watson, who initially held meetings via Instagram direct messages, according to the lawsuits.
“It became clear that Watson wanted only one reason – a massage for sex,” the first lawsuit states.
Watson reportedly told the plaintiff involved in the March 2020 incident: “I know you have a career and reputation, and I know that you would hate someone to mess with you, like I don’t want to Someone play with me. ” He considered Watson’s remarks a threat according to the lawsuit.
Plaintiffs “are seeking compensatory damages to prevent Watson from proceeding in the manner of conduct.”
Lawsuit 3
The third lawsuit stems from an incident that allegedly took place in December 2020 in a Houston office building. The lawsuit was filed as Jane Doe in the lawsuit.
While the third lawsuit alleges a similar pattern of behavior towards the massage therapist, it also states that Watson “became more aggressive, forcibly asking her to lay her hands down in her pubic area.” The lawsuit claims that Watson forced the woman, Who felt “frightened and threatened” Having oral sex on her and he “does not consent.”
“The plaintiff wishes she could be more adventurous and the massage would end.” The lawsuit says. “But she felt helpless at the moment. Watson was in Watson’s control.”
Lawsuit 4–7
Four more civil lawsuits were filed against Watson on 19 March, with a total of seven. Watson made inappropriate contact with women during massage sessions in three of the four sessions, Per bar. The fourth claims against Watson would be her tried to kiss a woman.
Trial 8-14
Seven more civil lawsuits were filed on March 22, with one accusing Watson of sexually assaulting a woman in March 2021 – the most recent accusation ever. The alleged incidents involved in the seven lawsuits are from April 2020 to March 2021.
“Plaintiffs believe Watson is a serial hunter,” the 14th lawsuit states.
Trial 15-19
The lawsuits were filed on 15 and 16 March 23 alleging similar behavior as described by other prosecutors. This was followed by three more lawsuits on March 28, accusing Watson of “knowingly” touching women with his penis.
One of those cases Watson “formally contacted those who provided her with a massage in an attempt to delete and dispose of her Instagram messages.” Watson’s lawyer, Rusty Hardin, Denied that was Watson “In an effort to settle these cases directly reached his accusers” and said Watson did not delete any Instagram messages From 15 March.
20 and 21 lawsuits
On March 30, two more lawsuits were filed, one involving an alleged Watson therapist, forcing her to have oral sex and ejaculating, Per bar.
After those two lawsuits were filed, Hardin issued statements to 18 women saying that Watson “never made them feel uncomfortable or asked for anything outside the purview of professional massage.”
Countryside Watson’s lawyer Rusty Hardin has now issued a press release in which he says that there are 18 massage therapists who support Watson. Here is a sample: pic.twitter.com/MAKPKEsVJm
– Ben Wolin (@BenVolin) March 31, 2021
Who is Tony Boozeby?
Buzbee is a Houston-based attorney for a Hugh-based law firm. He is a former Marine officer and attended law school at the University of Houston Law Center, According to his bio on The Buzzbee Law Firm Site. He has represented several high-profile clients, including former Texas government Rick Perry.
He has also previously run for public office, most recently launching an unsuccessful campaign for the mayor of Houston in 2019 against the inconsistent Sylvester Turner.
During a press conference on March 19, Buzzbee told reporters that he had gone In contact with the Houston Police Department, And he noted that none of the women met with the police before speaking with them. However, the Houston Police Department released a statement through its official Twitter account on March 19, stating that it was “unaware of any contact between HPD and Houston attorney Tony Buzbee.”
At this time, HPD is unaware of any contact between HPD and Houston attorney Tony Boozeby regarding the allegations involved in their recently filed lawsuits and no incident reports have been filed regarding these allegations in our jurisdiction.
– Houston Police (@houstonpolice) March 19, 2021
In a March 30 Instagram post, Buzzbee said he no longer plans to work with the Houston Police Department.
“Our team has been criticized all-round because many of these brave women have not filed formal criminal complaints with HPD (although we have provided information to other organizations),” Buzzbee said. “Here’s my concern: When I ran for the Houston mayor against the current mayor, I called for the resignation of the former police chief. I was thus initially reluctant to provide information to HPD in these important cases, at least Less was Art Acedvedo. ” Chief of Police – Even though my brother-in-law is a long-term HPD officer. Mr. Acevedo has now left Houston to Miami.
“Nonetheless, I have learned that my legal opponent, Mr. Hardin, has a son, who is on the HPD’s exclusive command staff. I am not saying in any way that Country Watson’s attorney, Mr. Hardin, has one. Son. Who has the position to compromise HPD and its investigation, I support all Houston police officers as well as his service – I think the rank and file know. For investigative officers. “
What has Deshan Watson said?
Posted by watson The following statement on Twitter On 16 March:
As a result of a social media post by the lawyer of the publicity plaintiff, I have recently come to know of a lawsuit which has apparently been filed against me. I have not seen the complaint yet, but I know this: I have never treated a woman in any way other than with the utmost respect. The plaintiff’s lawyer claims that it is not about the money, but before filing a lawsuit he sought a baseless six-figure settlement, which I quickly dismissed. Unlike him, it’s not about money for me – it’s about clearing my name, and I’m eager to do so.
Hardin Told ESPN He spoke with Watson on 17 March and agreed to represent her.
“I’m comfortable with the kind of person that Deshon Watson is, and I don’t like to comment publicly until I get all the facts,” Hardin said, adding “Watson” here in the Houston area There is a huge reputation, and the allegations are really inconsistent with the person he is. “
Watson’s agent, David Mulugetta, shared his thoughts on the lawsuits in a tweet posted on March 19:
Sexual assault is real. Victims must be heard, criminals prosecuted.
Individuals often create stories in search of financial gain. Their victims should be heard, and those criminals were prosecuted as well.
I hope that we will keep this energy with truth.
– David Mulughta (@DavidMulugheta) March 19, 2021
Hardin released A more detailed statement for TMZ game On 23 March:
“I want to emphasize from the outset that we and Deshun acknowledge that sexual harassment and harassment is not only illegal, but morally wrong. To come forward to report abuse to women Courage is required, especially when they engage their names in a lawsuit. We do not take these allegations lightly.
“Opposition lawyer set up a circus using social media to publicize 14 ‘Jane Doe’ lawsuits during the last seven days as calculated to damage the otherwise sterling reputation of the public and malicious nation during the last seven days As opposed to the atmosphere. Also, our refusal strategy. The request to confidentially provide the plaintiff’s name is why we can fully investigate their claims, making it difficult to uncover the truth. Anonymity It is often required as a shield for the victims, but the opposing lawyer has used it as a sword to publicly humiliate Deshon before he considers it to be true. The process can also begin.
“I believe that the charge Deshn has made to force any woman to commit a sexual act is completely wrong. And in a case in which we have been able to identify a plaintiff, we have There is strong evidence showing the allegation to be false. In the year this January, a woman attempted to blackmail him by demanding $ 30,000 in exchange for his ‘indefinite silence’, which he said was a normal encounter. We believe that this woman is the plaintiff in Cause Number 2021-15613. Validity of other matters as well.
“We have received many unwanted comments in the past week from several licensed massage therapists who have worked with the country in recent years. These women have described her as a gentleman and a model client who has never been in inappropriate conduct. Had not engaged. In fact, before these salty claims. All those associated with Deshon described him as an outstanding, respected and kind person.
“Again, we are taking the allegations very seriously, but we only ask that people do not be quick to decide, that people should not be influenced by opposing the antics of the lawyer, and that they will give both sides of the day the fundamental Give fairness. Thank you for your patience. And understanding. “
Is Texas investigating NFL Deshon Watson?
The Texans Issued the following statement On 17 March:
We came to know about a civil lawsuit involving Deshaun Watson through a social media post last night. This is the first time we have heard about this case, and we hope to learn more soon. We take allegations of this nature that seriously involve anyone within the Houston Texans organization. We will await further information before making any additional statement on this incident.
Pro football talk Reported on 19 March The NFL’s special counsel for the investigation, Lisa Frail, wrote Buzzby a letter stating that the league had begun an investigation. He requested that Buzzbee and his customers cooperate in it.
Buzbee posted, then deleted, And then reposted the letter On his Instagram page. He eventually wrote that his side would “cooperate with the NFL investigation and any other investigative officers.”
An anonymous league official Told ESPN’s Adam Shekre The league is investigating Watson under its Personal Conduct Policy. Texas said in another statement on March 19 (according to Aaron Wilson Houston Chronicle) That they “will be in close contact” with the league during the investigation.
Additionally, teams interested in potential trade for Watson are monitoring the situation, According to Schefter.
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