The number of civil lawsuits from massage therapists against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has reached 22.
Things got even worse for Watson on Tuesday when Houston attorney Tony Buzbee held a press conference and had two of the 22 women come forward publicly to tell their story.
Ashley Solis, who lawyer Tony Buzbee said was the first massage therapist to file a lawsuit against Watson, spoke in the news conference. Lauren Baxley wrote a letter to Watson that was read by lawyer Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey.
Hours later, the NFL decided to release a statement on the matter.
Statement from NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy following press conference in which two Deshaun Watson’s accusers identified themselves and spoke of their allegations against him: “The allegations are deeply disturbing and we take these issues very seriously…”
“Immediately following news of the first allegations last month, and as has been reported, we initiated an investigation under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. We are continuing to closely monitor all developments in the matter.”
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On top of that, the league has been in contact with Buzbee and wants to interview his clients.
Ashley Solis said:
“I got into massage therapy to heal people,” Solis said. “To heal their minds and bodies. To bring peace to their souls. Deshaun Watson has robbed me of that. He took that away from me, he tainted a profession in which I take enormous pride. … I suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. I’m in counseling as a result of Deshaun Watson’s actions. I hope he knows how much pain he’s inflicted on me emotionally and physically. And I hope he knows how much pain he’s inflicted on these other survivors.”
“People say that I’m doing this just for money,” Solis said. “That is false. I come forward now so that Deshaun Watson does not assault another woman.”
In her letter addressing Watson, Baxley wrote, “Every boundary from professional and therapeutic to sexual and degrading you crossed or attempted to cross.”
“I initially came forward to offer solidarity to other women, but I have since realized that I’m deserving of justice as well,” Baxley wrote. “I hope the court of law brings that justice, and that you’re stripped of both your power and ability to hurt more women.”
