Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has spoken to the FBI about the outstanding allegations of sexual misconduct he’s facing, but his attorney and the lawyer representing his accusers apparently disagree over the agency’s interest in the civil case.
Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin acknowledged Wednesday that the FBI interviewed his client in April about the allegations of sexual assault, forced touching, and harassment, but insists the agency is focused on accusations of extortion against one of the accusers.
Hardin made the claim during a press conference on Wednesday in response to a recent interview with Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the 23 women who sued Watson, including one who has dropped her lawsuit.
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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (left) has spoken to the FBI about the outstanding allegations of sexual misconduct he’s facing, but his attorney and the lawyer representing his accusers apparently disagree over the agency’s interest in the civil case
Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin (pictured) acknowledged Wednesday that the FBI interviewed his client in April about the allegations of sexual assault, forced touching, and harassment, but insists the agency is focused on accusations of extortion against one of the accusers
‘They contacted me and I’ve met with them three times now and now they’ve met with several of the plaintiffs in the case,’ Buzbee told LeagueofJustice.com.
Watson has been accused of forcing women to perform oral sex on him, disrobing and forcibly touching massage therapists and other women, among other claims. He has denied the allegations, and through Hardin, has said that any sexual contact between himself and the women was consensual. The alleged incidents all took place in 2020 and 2021.
According to Hardin, the FBI was concerned that one of Watson’s accusers had attempted to blackmail him.
‘In April, the FBI came to us and told us they were investigating a matter as to whether one of Mr. [Tony] Buzbee’s clients had committed extortion in the way they were demanding money from Deshaun or what they would do if they didn’t pay it,’ Hardin said during Wednesday’s news conference.
‘I don’t think they’re investigating Deshaun,’ Hardin continued. ‘What they’re investigating is the allegations Buzbee has made in his lawsuits. I didn’t know about that until yesterday, and then I checked it out and it’s true. They are.’
Buzbee characterized the FBI’s interest in Watson differently.
He claims one agent said the FBI was interested in the case because Watson allegedly used the internet to arrange meetings with the massage therapists.
‘[That] creates jurisdiction for us,’ the agent said, according to Buzbee.
‘But then I understand there were these two women that were from out of state, which obviously creates more jurisdiction as well,’ Buzbee added, quoting his alleged conversation with the agent.
Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin acknowledged Wednesday that the FBI interviewed his client in April about the allegations of sexual assault, forced touching, and harassment, but insists the agency is focused on accusations of extortion against one of the accusers
At least one plaintiff claims she was flown in from Georgia for her meeting with Watson. Other accusers hail from Texas, California and Arizona.
The FBI does not typically comment on ongoing investigations.
On Wednesday, Hardin attacked Buzbee over the revelation of FBI interest in the case.
‘I can only conclude that Mr. Buzbee’s knowledge of the criminal justice system, and the way it works, probably if you put it in a thimble, there would be a lot of room left,’ Hardin said. ‘What he’s done here is harmed his clients and harmed the investigations that need to be confidential.’
Buzbee has since told Fox 26 that he never used the word ‘investigation’ when describing the FBI’s interest in the accusations.
‘I don’t know what their focus is other than I know what I was asked,’ Buzbee told Fox 26. ‘Beyond that I don’t know their inner workings and continue to focus on the civil cases as is my job. There is a clear distinction between the criminal and civil process. I am focused on the civil process only.’
Buzbee recently got married and landed a veiled shot at Watson in an Instagram post about the spa where he was staying
Hardin also accused Buzbee of seeking attention.
‘You have to understand what’s happening,’ Hardin said. ‘When he goes a month without y’all putting him in the paper, he almost wilts, OK?’
Buzbee recently got married and landed a veiled shot at Watson in an Instagram post about the spa where he was staying.
‘It was actually nice and relaxing—I fell asleep,’ Buzbee said of his spa experience in July. ‘But note, it was professional; I made no weird demands, I didn’t grind around on the table, I never fully disrobed, and I never acted like an entitled, horny, teenage boy. I’m also quite sure the massage professional didn’t feel threatened, degraded, or uncomfortable in anyway. Massage therapy is a legit profession made up of trained professionals trying to earn an honest living. That’s how it should be.’
Without specifically addressing the post, Hardin took aim at Buzbee’s behavior on Wednesday.
‘I’m urging him to take a vacation, go back on another honeymoon, quit doing all this,’ Hardin said. ‘It’s not good for your clients, it’s truly not.
‘We hope that he’ll calm down a little bit. I’m not confident that he will, but he needs to be careful because he’s not helping these folks.’
The NFL is investigating the matter, but Hardin said the league has not yet spoken with Watson.
Watson has been inactive recently at Texans training camp amid reports that he has requested a trade from the team.