Rusty Hardin – Deshaun Watson never ever engaged in functions with plaintiffs that were not ‘mutually desired’

HOUSTON — Deshaun Watson’s law firm, Rusty Hardin, acknowledged for the duration of a Friday news meeting that there were being some “consensual encounters” concerning the Houston Texans quarterback and some of the 22 ladies who have submitted lawsuits versus him, but he mentioned at no point did Watson interact in any acts that have been not “mutually sought after.”

“Were being there often consensual encounters? Of course,” Hardin explained.

When questioned to explain his opinions about Watson using element in sexual intercourse functions with some of the girls who have submitted lawsuits towards him alleging inappropriate behavior and sexual assault, Hardin replied, “In some of these massages you will find likely to be no concern. We have hardly ever operate from it.”

Watson has publicly denied any wrongdoing, and Hardin has emphasised due to the fact he commenced symbolizing the quarterback final thirty day period that he thinks “any allegation that Deshaun forced a female to dedicate a sexual act is totally bogus.”

“I’m not going to go into what it is or the mother nature or the figures or with whom,” Hardin claimed concerning any consensual encounters between Watson and some of the plaintiffs. “But I believe you can rightfully presume that. The question normally that we have always been emphasizing: Never at any time, below any instances … did this youthful person at any time engage in something that was not mutually ideal by the other social gathering.”

Previously Friday, two judges ruled that most of the plaintiffs suing Watson need to identify themselves. The rulings from two hearings protect 13 of the 22 lawsuits submitted versus Watson, whilst the attorneys also agreed to release a 14th name later in the working day.

Courtroom records exhibit Hardin has filed motions inquiring that the remaining gals who have not unveiled their names also make their identities public.

Prior to Friday, only two women of all ages experienced been publicly recognized.

During Friday’s initial hearing, in the 270th District Court, Hardin had accused the plaintiffs’ law firm, Tony Buzbee, of utilizing the women’s anonymity to “get rid of the standing of our shopper.”

Buzbee argued that permitting anonymity is frequent in cases working with allegations of sexual assault. Buzbee explained Ashley Solis, who publicly recognized herself earlier this 7 days, experienced gained dying threats, and all through the 2nd hearing he shared an instance of a threatening information despatched to Solis.

Right after the hearings, Buzbee produced a assertion indicating the other ladies suing Watson have been “emboldened” by Solis likely community with her encounter.

“They are all set to be discovered,” Buzbee stated. “In lawsuits at times we thrust hard for a little something that may well change out to not be beneficial. As I explained in court docket, be careful what you question for. Figuring out these females at this stage provides even a lot more credibility to the allegations remaining made, and I am proud to stand with these courageous and brave ladies.”

Buzbee and Hardin also agreed that the 22 lawsuits could be consolidated in the 113th District Court for any pretrial issues.

In a statement Tuesday, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy termed the allegations from Watson “deeply disturbing,” noting, “We choose these problems extremely very seriously.”

McCarthy explained the league introduced an investigation under its private conduct coverage last thirty day period just after the initial allegations and that the NFL is “continuing to intently watch all developments in the issue.”