Deshaun Watson’s legal team was quick to respond to Tuesday’s press conference held by Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing 22 women who allege they are victims of sexual misconduct and assault from the Texans quarterback.
One of those victims, Ashley Solis, spoke publicly for the first time and described her “nightmare” experience with Watson — but Hardin issued a statement that argued this alleged victim, and others, attempted to shake down his client for money.
“In fact, according to the documentation below, Mr. Buzbee sought $100,000 in hush money on behalf of Ms. Solis to quietly settle the allegations the month before he filed the first lawsuit,” Hardin said.
Hardin provided copies of emails exchanged in which a Buzbee associate, Cornelia Brandfield-Harvey, contacted Watson and wrote, “My client’s demand is $100,000” in a February 9, 2021 email.
She followed up later that day to clarify the offer was open until that Friday, per Hardin.
Hardin did not represent Watson at the time, but also provided a response from Watson’s counsel, Scott Gaffield of Athletes First agency of Laguna Beach, who inquired on February 19 about the rationale behind the demand given that “we don’t believe that the alleged facts show that Deshaun did anything wrong…”
Buzbee, who was copied on the emails, told Gaffield his client’s deman was legitimate and will not be making another bid before suggesting Watson should find a Houston-based attorney “so you can apprise both you and your client of the landscape here and who you are dealing with.”
Hardin then included a written statement from Gaffield who continued to claim the facts showed Watson did not do anything wrong.
“As the emails show, we were willing to discuss on Deshaun’s behalf to explore ways to prevent a lawsuit and public spectacle,” Gaffield said. “But Mr. Buzbee informed us that he was unwilling to do so. We expect that this matter will be resolved in court.”
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