An attorney for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has questioned allegations of sexual assault and harassment against his client, claiming they were made following a failed $30,000 blackmail attempt.

A total of 16 women have filed lawsuits against Watson in state court in Houston, Texas.

The women accuse Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis or kissing them against their will while he got a massage.

All of the women who have sued Watson are either licensed massage therapists or worked in a spa or similar business.

Rusty Hardin, Watson’s attorney, alleged in a statement that his legal team has “strong evidence” an accusation made by a woman they believe filed one of the lawsuits is false.

In her lawsuit, the woman alleged Watson forced her to perform oral sex during a massage in December and that she “blacked out for a few minutes from the fear” of her encounter with Watson, which left her “terrified”.

Hardin alleges that in January, the woman demanded $30,000 in exchange for her “indefinite silence” for a consensual encounter she had with Watson.

Deshaun Watson wants a trade out of Houston just a year after signing a $200 million contract extension.
Deshaun Watson wants a trade out of Houston just a year after signing a $200 million contract extension. Credit: Getty

Hardin provided a sworn affidavit from Bryan Burney, Watson’s marketing manager, who alleged he spoke with the woman, who told him she needed to be paid for her “silence”.

In his affidavit, Burney alleges he also spoke with the woman’s “business manager” and told him the demand for money “was extortion”.

“He responded, ‘it’s not extortion, it’s blackmail’,” Burney said.

Hardin said the attempt to blackmail Watson “calls into question the legitimacy of the other cases as well”.

Tony Buzbee, who represents the 16 women, did not immediately return a call or email seeking comment on Tuesday.

‘Female empowerment’ the goal, not money

“Alleged sexual misconduct is serious. Attempting to criminalise or minimise those that speak out or step forward is wrong,” Buzbee said in a statement posted on Tuesday afternoon on his Facebook page.

At a news conference last week, Buzbee said the lawsuits aren’t about money as the women are suing for $500 in damages, the least that can be sought in a Texas civil district court.

Buzbee said last week the cases are about “female empowerment” and the women filed their lawsuits “for one reason only, stopping further misconduct from this defendant and any others like him”.

Hardin accused Buzbee of creating a “circus-like atmosphere by using social media” to publicise the lawsuits.

He said that Watson recognises that “sexual assault and harassment are not only unlawful, but morally wrong”.

Deshaun Watson led the Texans to a 4-12 record in 2020.
Deshaun Watson led the Texans to a 4-12 record in 2020. Credit: Getty
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