Four other lawsuits alleging aggression and the infliction of emotional suffering were filed on Thursday against Houston Texans and former Clemson University quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Seven lawsuits by professional massage therapists have already been filed against Watson this week, court records show.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, said at least five more similar cases could take place.
No criminal charges against the allegations made in the lawsuits have been filed against Watson, who has denied treating any woman inappropriately.
Buzbee said he is not aware of any reports made to the police about the allegations to this point, but said the Houston Police Department contacted him and asked for more information.
Houston Police Department spokesman John Cannon said the department, by law, cannot comment on someone who has not been charged, arrested or is a person of interest.
Each of the lawsuits filed so far was under the name “Jane Doe”. Buzbee said the 12 women who made charges against Watson are mostly single mothers, and he said they are black, Hispanic and white.
The lawsuits demand a jury trial and seek damages to be determined by the court.
Tony Buzbee says he received death threats, says cases “are not about money”
Buzbee gave a press conference on Friday afternoon, when he said he and others associated with the lawsuits had received death threats in response to his allegations.
Greenville News and the USA Today Network watched the press conference through a live broadcast provided by Houston’s KRTK-TV.
“I stopped counting 10 death threats,” said Buzbee, “but we will not be deterred.”
Buzbee said the cases “are not about money”. He said the plaintiffs are seeking justice.
He said 22 women had come to his company since she started working on cases against Watson.
“It is not about seeking publicity or fame. I personally do not need it and these women do not want it,” said Buzbee. “This case is about female empowerment.”
One of the lawsuits filed on Thursday claims that during a massage in September 2020, Watson touched the therapist with his genitals and exposed himself after he asked to remove a towel from the groin area. The lawsuit says Watson asked if it was “okay if he got excited”.
Another lawsuit filed on Thursday refers to a massage session in June 2020 in which Watson reportedly continued to move his body in a way that made his genitals touch the therapist.
“The plaintiff felt trapped, angry and dirty,” says the lawsuit. “The Claimant was absolutely terrified.”
A third lawsuit opened on Thursday refers to two massages in October and November 2020, and claims that Watson kissed the therapist, a single mother, and tried to get her to touch her genitals.
The fourth lawsuit filed on Thursday refers to massages in September and October 2020, and also claims that Watson acted inappropriately.
Deshaun Watson maintains innocence as the NFL investigates
Watson turned to social media earlier this week, after the first allegations were released, to dismiss the allegations and say he hopes to clear his name.
“As a result of a social media post by a plaintiff’s attorney seeking publicity,” wrote Watson on Twitter, “I recently became aware of a lawsuit that apparently was brought against me. I haven’t seen the complaint yet, but I know one thing: I’ve never treated a woman with anything other than the greatest respect. The plaintiff’s lawyer claims that it is not about money, but before filing the lawsuit he made an unfounded six-figure agreement request, which I quickly rejected. Unlike him, it’s not about money for me – it’s about clearing my name, and I’m looking forward to doing that. “
Deshaun Watson: Texans QB faces third massage therapist lawsuit
Three massage therapists filed civil lawsuits against Deshaun Watson, each accusing the Houston Texans QB of sexual misconduct or assault.
team video, USA TODAY
The National Football League announced that it is conducting its own investigation based on the allegations, according to NFL.com.
– Zoe Nicholson covers Clemson University and surrounding communities for Greenville News and the Independent Mail. Contact her on Twitter @zoenicholson_ or by email [email protected]
– Daniel J. Gross is an investigative surveillance reporter with a focus on public safety and law enforcement for Greenville News. Talk to him at [email protected] or on Twitter @danieljgross.
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