Editor’s Note: The following story deals with sexual assault, and may be distressing for some readers.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, those in Canada can find province-specific centres, crisis lines and services here. For readers in America, a list of resources and references for survivors and their loved ones can be found here.
CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson has been accused of sexual assault in a new civil lawsuit brought by a woman who alleges the Cleveland Browns quarterback forced himself on her four years ago when he played with Houston.
According to the lawsuit filed Monday in Harris County, the woman is suing Watson for $1 million in damages.
The woman, identified only as Jane Doe in the court documents, said the incident took place after she invited Watson to her apartment. She said Watson undressed shortly after arriving and demanded a massage.
It’s the latest legal entanglement for Watson, who settled 23 of 24 lawsuits against him in 2022 after two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct and harassment during massage therapy sessions.
The 28-year-old Watson served an 11-game NFL suspension in 2022 for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, stemming from those accusations. He also had to pay a $5 million fine and underwent independent counselling before he was reinstated.
The new lawsuit was filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, who represented the other women who alleged Watson’s misbehaviour.
The Browns did not have an immediate response to the latest lawsuit. The NFL declined to comment.
Watson could also face further discipline from the league.
The three-time Pro Bowler has been plagued by issues since Cleveland traded five draft picks, including three first-round selections, to the Texans in 2022 for him. The Browns then signed Watson to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.
Watson has been limited to just 13 starts due to the suspension and a shoulder injury that required surgery last season.
He played for the first time in 10 months on Sunday and completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards with two interceptions and a touchdown in a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
A Texas woman has come forward with allegations of sexual assault against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, stemming from an incident that occurred in 2020. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, filed a lawsuit against Watson on Tuesday, accusing him of assaulting her during a massage therapy session.
According to the lawsuit, the woman claims that Watson contacted her through Instagram in March 2020 to schedule a massage appointment. The woman, who is a licensed massage therapist, agreed to meet with Watson at a hotel in Houston. However, once the session began, the woman alleges that Watson became aggressive and forced her to perform sexual acts against her will.
The lawsuit also alleges that Watson has a pattern of inappropriate behavior with other massage therapists, citing at least 22 other women who have accused him of similar misconduct. The woman’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, stated that they have been in contact with the Houston Police Department and are cooperating with their investigation into the matter.
Watson has denied the allegations, stating that he has always treated women with respect and professionalism. In a statement released by his attorney, Watson expressed his intention to clear his name and defend himself against the accusations.
The NFL has also released a statement regarding the allegations, stating that they are aware of the situation and are monitoring the developments closely. The league has not yet taken any disciplinary action against Watson, but they have stated that they will conduct their own investigation into the matter.
This case is just the latest in a string of high-profile sexual assault allegations against professional athletes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of taking such accusations seriously and conducting thorough investigations to ensure justice is served for all parties involved. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to consider the evidence presented and allow due process to take its course before passing judgment on either party.