HEADLINE

Deshaun Watson’s lawyer: Consensual sex acts occurred

Field Level Media

April 10, 2021 at 1:13 am.

Deshaun Watson engaged in consensual sexual activity with some of the masseuses who are suing him, the attorney for the Houston Texans quarterback said Friday.

Rusty Hardin made the revelation during a press conference after two emergency court hearings led to rulings that 13 of the 22 women suing the Houston Texans quarterback must identify themselves.

Watson is accused of sexually assaulting or behaving inappropriately to the women during the course of massages.

While acknowledging that Watson had sexual encounters with some of the plaintiffs, Hardin added, “I’m not going to go into what it is or the nature or the numbers or with whom. … The question always that we have always been emphasizing: Never at any time, under any circumstances … did this young man ever engage in anything that was not mutually desired by the other party.”

The original lawsuits filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee identify the plaintiffs only as Jane Doe, but the rulings mean the 13 cases must be filed again with the accusers’ names.

Buzbee said nine women already have agreed to attach their names to the cases.

NBC Houston reported another emergency hearing is scheduled for Friday night, at which time more plaintiffs could be forced to reveal their names.

Two of the women, Ashley Solis and Lauren Baxley, came out publicly earlier this week.

Watson, who has denied all wrongdoing, is the subject of ongoing investigations by the Houston police and the NFL.

Watson, 25, reached a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the Texans in September. He went on to earn a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection before requesting a trade in January.