First of Deshaun Watson’s 22 accusers speaks out publicly, saying she suffers panic attacks and can no longer work as a masseuse after he ‘harassed her and touched her with his penis’
The first of the 22 Jane Does to sue Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson for sexual misconduct identified herself publicly at a press conference on Tuesday, saying she now suffers panic attacks and depression after the 25-year-old quarterback exposed himself and touched her with his penis during a private massage.
‘My name is Ashley Solis,’ the licensed massage therapist said at an emotional press conference alongside her attorney, Tony Buzbee. ‘Remember that name. … I was afraid. I’m not afraid anymore.’
Watson’s 21 other accusers have yet to identify themselves publicly.
Ashley Solis, the first of the 22 Jane Does to sue Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson for sexual misconduct, identified herself publicly at a press conference on Tuesday, saying she now suffers panic attacks and depression after the 25-year-old quarterback exposed himself and touched her with his penis during a private massage
Buzbee represents all 22 of the women who filed against Watson, most of whom work as professional massage therapists. The plaintiffs are suing for civil assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress, accusing Watson of exposing himself, touching them with his penis, and, in some cases, ejaculating on them. Two of the plaintiffs are also suing for sexual assault, claiming Watson forced them to perform oral sex on him.
Houston police and the NFL are both conducting investigations into the accusations.
Watson issued a statement after Solis filed her lawsuit anonymously on March 16, saying he has never disrespected any woman. Since then, 21 other women have filed against him while his attorney, Rusty Hardin, has accused the plaintiffs of being motivated by financial gain.
‘People say I’m doing this just for money,’ Solis said. ‘That is false. I come forward now in hopes Deshaun Watson does not hurt another woman.
‘I am survivor of assault and harassment, Deshaun Watson is my assaulter and my harasser, he assaulted me at my home doing what I love most, massage therapy.
‘I can no longer practice the profession I love the most without shaking…I hope he knew how heartbreaking that is to me.’
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