HOUSTON – Four more lawsuits have been filed against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, alleging misconduct and sexual assault similar to the previous three that had been filed.
That adds up to a total of seven lawsuits filed against Watson by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who has said on Instagram that there are nine cases in total against Watson. Buzbee told ESPN Thursday in a text message that her office has been in contact with police and would provide information to police about the nine women who intend to sue Watson.
Houston police declined to comment to ESPN if it is investigating the matter. A spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office told ESPN Thursday that no one from any police agency has provided information to the DA’s office yet about the Watson-related allegations.
Buzbee will address the media in Houston on Friday afternoon, when he says he will provide some background on the seven lawsuits that have been filed and will provide copies of various texts and messages related to the lawsuits.
Following Buzbee’s announcement of the first lawsuit on Tuesday, Watson responded to Twitter saying it was rejecting “a six-figure infamous lawsuit” and that it was “to erase my name, and I hope to do so.” . At the time of his statement, Watson said he had not seen the first lawsuit.
“I have never treated any woman with anything more than the utmost respect,” Watson said in his statement.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Thursday that “the matter is under review” of the league’s personal conduct policy, and the Texans said they would maintain close contact with the NFL during the league’s investigation. .
The seven lawsuits filed so far show a pattern of sexual assault against a masseur. Although six of the lawsuits allege that they were spotted with Watson, an alleged woman who was sexually assaulted by Watson on several occasions. This lawsuit says the first massage was booked through the spa where the licensed beautician worked. The other six lawsuits allege that Watson first asked about the massage via direct messages on Instagram.
Three of the four lawsuits filed Thursday night accuse him of inappropriate contact; the fourth said he tried to force himself to kiss a woman.
“Watson’s behavior is part of a disturbing pattern of taking vulnerable women,” the fourth lawsuit says.
Watson’s agent David Mulugheta posted on Twitter on Friday.
“Sexual assaults are real. Victims should be heard and prosecuted,” Mulugheta posted Friday. “Individuals often fabricate stories in search of economic gain. Their victims need to be heard and criminals need to be prosecuted as well. I just hope we keep that same energy with the truth.”
The Texans said Thursday they are aware of the matter.
“The NFL informed us [Thursday] that they will conduct an investigation into the allegations made in the civil lawsuits filed against Deshaun Watson, “the team said.” We will maintain close contact with the league as they do. We continue to take this and all matters related to anyone in the Houston Texans organization seriously. We do not plan to make additional statements until the NFL investigation is completed. “