Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson's agent addressed mounting allegations of sexual assault against his client on social media on Friday.
David Mulugheta, Watson's representative, posted a statement in which he called for sexual assault accusers to be believed but cautioned that "individuals fabricate stories" for financial gain "often."
"I simply hope we keep this same energy with the truth," read the final line of the tweet.
On the post, replies were closed to all but the 280 users who Mulugheta follows on Twitter.
Many users responded with quote tweets, however, and questioned what appeared to be the suggestion that sexual assault accusers fabricate their claims.
Mulugheta then clarified that he was talking generally about accusers seeking recompense, not sexual assault accusers specifically.
Texas attorney Tony Buzbee this week announced he was representing several female massage therapists who were coming forth with civil lawsuits against Watson for what they characterized as aggressive and unwanted sexual behavior during massages. One alleged victim said Watson coerced her to perform oral sex on him.
By Friday morning, reports said five suits had been filed. Buzbee was set to hold a news conference regarding the cases on Friday afternoon.
Watson responded to the first case on social media on Tuesday, vehemently denying the accusations, and claiming he was the victim of a financial shakedown. The 25-year-old claimed Buzbee had approached him with a settlement before taking the suits public, and he looked forward to clearing his name.
On Thursday, Buzbee revealed on social media that the NFL was investigating the accusations.
The lawsuits come amid a turbulent offseason for Watson, who requested a trade out of Houston with the Texans struggling with upheaval and instability in the front office.
The Texans seemed to resist the trade request from Watson, who was set to become one of the most coveted trade targets in league history.
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram