Deshaun Watson releases statement from massage therapists supporting him

Eighteen massage therapists who have worked with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson offered support for the NFL star, who had been accused of sexual assault and other inappropriate behavior by others who have worked with him.

Rusty Hardin, Deshaun Watson’s attorney, put out a statement that includes the support from these massage therapists in response to the civil lawsuits filed against Watson. 

Hardin stated that 18 different massage therapists have reached out to his office telling different accounts of their experience with the quarterback. 

Deshaun Watson’s attorney Rusty Hardin has now issued a press release with what he says are 18 massage therapists who support Watson. Here is a sample: pic.twitter.com/MAKPKEsVJm

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 31, 2021

“These women say they are deeply troubled by the accusations made against Deshaun and that these claims are wholly inconsistent with their experiences with him and who they believe him to be,” Hardin said in the statement. 

“All of them stated that Deshaun never made them feel uncomfortable or demanded anything outside the scope of a professional message.” 

“These statements show the true side to this story that has been so lacking in the flurry of anonymous complaints filed by opposing counsel,” Hardin said. 

There have now been 21 civil lawsuits filed against the Texans’s quarterback and Sports Illustrated published a story on Monday about a massage therapist’s encounter with Watson in 2019 where she claims he sexually assaulted her during a session. 

The NFL is currently investigating Watson’s allegations.