Deshaun Watson: NFL star is now facing seven lawsuits for alleged sexual assault

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The additional claims are from four women who say he contacted them for services such as massage therapy.

That brings the total of lawsuits against the Pro Bowl quarterback to seven. They were filed this week in Harris County, Texas, by attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents the seven women.

Watson’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said Friday after the subsequent six lawsuits were filed, he is extremely proud to represent Watson and “stand behind him fully against what we believe are priceless allegations.”

“However, we will hold off on commenting in detail until we complete our discussion of Mr. Buzbee’s numerous, evolving allegations,” said Hardin. “We will respond next week and ask you to be open to us until we do.”

Watson’s agent, David Mulugheta, posted a tweet on Friday say, “Sexual violence is real. Victims must be heard, offenders must be prosecuted.” Mulugheta then warned of the existence of false charges, a phenomenon that studies show is very rare.
NFL star Deshaun Watson is facing lawsuits for alleged assaults

The last four lawsuits allege that Watson “assaulted and harassed” the women. The four new lawsuits, filed Thursday, accuse Watson of assault and harassment, while two say he tried to kiss them.

One of the lawsuits alleges that Watson sexually assaulted the plaintiff multiple times.

CNN contacted Houston police and asked if the agency is investigating the claims, but received a “no comment.”

Houston Police later posted a statement on Twitter that said no incident reports have been filed in his jurisdiction and the department “is not aware of any contact between HPD and Houston attorney Tony Buzbee regarding the allegations in his recently filed lawsuits.”

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office told CNN on Thursday that it had not opened an investigation into Watson, senior deputy Thomas M. Gilliland said.

At a press conference, Buzbee said he has been formally contacted by Houston police. “Our goal is for those willing customers to put together a package and submit the information we have to the Houston Police Department,” said Buzbee.

The Houston Texans released a statement on Thursday saying the NFL “informed us today that they will be investigating the allegations made in the civil lawsuits filed against Deshaun Watson.”

“We continue to take this and all matters involving anyone within the Houston Texans organization seriously,” the statement said. “We do not expect to make any additional statements until the NFL investigation is completed.”

When asked if the league had opened an investigation, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said, “The matter is currently under assessment based on the personal conduct policy.”

Watson played four seasons in Houston and has been selected for three Pro Bowls. According to the Spotrac website, he signed a four-year $ 156 million contract in 2020.

CNN’s Steve Almasy, David Close, Jill Martin and Wayne Sterling contributed to this report.

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