Watson strongly denies the recent allegations of sexual assault

Issued on: 09.11.2024 – 20:20

1 minute

The lawsuit filed in Texas accuses Watson of sexually harassing a woman in her apartment in October 2020 – the case is currently also being investigated by the NFL.

“Deshaun vigorously denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday,” attorney Rusty Hardin, who represents Watson, said in a statement Wednesday.

“We have asked him not to make any further comment while this case is being heard in court, but we are confident that he will ultimately prevail. We will be prepared to defend this case in court in due course, but do not intend to hold our defense in the media. We ask that people be patient while the legal process takes its course,” Hardin added.

The lawsuit states that the woman went into her bathroom to put on makeup and came out to find Watson lying naked face down on her bed.

The NFL star asked her to massage his butt, and when she started rubbing his back, he turned around and asked her to massage his groin area.

Before she could answer, Watson partially undressed the woman, sexually assaulted her, and then stormed out of her apartment.

Watson had previously been suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million in August 2022 for violating the NFL's code of conduct after 25 women accused him of sexual misconduct during private massage sessions.

He subsequently reached settlements with 23 of his accusers. The woman in the most recent case was not part of the 2022 allegations.

Watson lived in Texas when he was quarterback for the Houston Texans.

In March 2022, he was traded to the Browns and became one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.

© 2024 AFP