HOUSTON – A massage therapist in Houston has filed a civil lawsuit against Deshaun Watson, alleging inappropriate conduct in her home in March 2020 by the Houston Texans quarterback.
The case, which was filed by Houston Attorney Tony Buzbee on Tuesday night and appeared before the Harris County District Clerk on Wednesday morning, alleges that Watson committed ‘civil assault’ when he touched the massage therapist with his penis and that he ‘intentionally’ or knowingly caused ‘physical contact with the plaintiff when Watson knew or should reasonably have known that the plaintiff would regard such contact as offensive. “
Watson responded to the case on Twitter on Tuesday night, saying he rejected “an unfounded six-digit settlement question” and that it was about clearing my name, and I look forward to doing so. At the time of his statement, Watson said he had not seen the case.
“I have never treated any woman with anything but the utmost respect,” Watson said in his statement.
The case alleges that on March 30, 2020, Watson booked a massage with a massage therapist who regularly works in her home. After leaving the room, the massage therapist claims, she returned to see Watson lying on the massage table with only a small towel covering his groin area.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff “began to feel extremely uncomfortable” and “it turned out that Watson wanted a massage for only one reason – sex.” It accuses Watson of exposing himself and then touching the woman.
In the lawsuit, the massage therapist claimed that after the Watson asked to leave, the quarter made a statement that she considered a threat. The lawsuit also states that Watson later texted her apologizing.
The Texans issued a statement on Wednesday saying they were aware of the matter.
“Last night we became aware of a civil lawsuit involving Deshaun Watson through a message on social media,” the team said in a statement. “This is the first time we’re hearing about the case, and we hope to hear more soon. We take allegations of this nature involving someone within the Houston Texans organization seriously. We will wait for further information before we will make any further statements regarding this incident. “