The thirty women who accused former Houston Texan player DeShaun Watson of sexual misconduct have settled their lawsuit with his former team.
All of the women who made or planned to make claims against the Texans for their role in Watson’s alleged misconduct have settled their claims for an undisclosed amount.
Last year, the quarterback was accused of making unwanted sexual advances or sexually assaulting multiple women during massage therapy sessions.
The settlement agreement comes less than a month after Watson settled 20 out of the 24 lawsuits filed against him.
Watson has vehemently denied the accusations, but he did admit that he had sexual encounters with some of the women. He also claimed those encounters were consensual and added that he did not force any masseuse to do anything against her will.
“I will have no further comment on the allegations or the Texans’ role, other than to say that there is a marked contrast in the way in which the Texans addressed these allegations and the way in which Watson’s team has done so,” said attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents all 30 women. “As previously reported, only one of the 30 women who made allegations against the Texans filed a formal lawsuit. That particular lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice as soon as the appropriate settlement paperwork is complete.”
Buzbee said that the remaining lawsuits against the quarterback are scheduled to move ahead. “We hope to try them all in the spring of next year. In the meantime, we will continue to do the important work to prepare for such,” he said.
Following the news of the settlements with Watson last month, Buzbee highlighted that Ashley Solis was the first victim to go public with her alleged experiences with Watson. “Because of her willingness to speak out, soon others followed,” he said. “I admire Ashley Solis and the other woman who were courageous enough to make their voices heard. I hope their bravery serves as an example to others who have been subjected to similar conduct. Every story has a hero – in this story, that hero is Ashley Solis and the other woman who, despite the ridicule, criticism, and vitriol directed at them, endured.”
