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Outrage as Deshaun Watson faces NO criminal charges after 22 women accused him of sexual harassment

In the lawsuits filed over a year ago, the accusers alleged that Watson touched them with his penis or kissed them against their will

Noted NFL star and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson evaded any criminal charges following a police investigation on allegations of sexual harassment against him. On Friday, March 11, a grand jury declined to indict the 26-year-old football player, despite as many as 22 women filing civil lawsuits against him for sexual assault and harassment.  The grand jury considered nine criminal complaints before it decided not to move forward with charges on Friday. 

In the lawsuits filed over a year ago, the accusers alleged that Watson touched them with his penis or kissed them against their will. It is believed that all the victims are masseuses and the harassment took place during Watson's massage appointments. One woman further alleged that Watson forced her to perform oral sex. 

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The investigation started back in April 2021, following criminal complaints of sexual harassment against Watson. The FBI had also been reviewing the allegations in the meantime. On Friday, March 11, the results of the probe were presented to a grand jury, where prosecutors also showed evidence and testimony for over six hours.

As many as ten of Watson's alleged victims have filed criminal complaints against him with the Houston police. All of them are set to appear before the grand jury. However, Watson's lawyers claim that all the women are "lying" and using the lawsuits for "money grab". Speaking about no indictment for Watson, Johna Stallings, chief of the adult sex crimes and trafficking division with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, said, "We respect the grand jury's decision."

Watson's attorney Rusty Hardin issued a statement celebrating the jury decision, “We are delighted that the grand jury has looked at the matter thoroughly and reached the same conclusion we did. Deshaun Watson did not commit any crimes and is not guilty of any offenses." He also specified that there had been some "sexual activity" involved in some of Watson's massage appointments but he had never forced anyone.  Watson also posted on Twitter: "When you stand on the TRUTH, the Lord will FREE you!"

Meanwhile, Tony Buzbee, the attorney who represents the 22 women, said they will continue the civil cases against Watson. "The civil cases will continue to gather steam. We take Mr. Watson’s deposition again Tuesday. Respect the process."

The decision for no criminal charges sparked massive outrage on social media as Watson's fans faced flak for celebrating and recommending future teams for the NFL star. 

"Yeah the texans definitely orchestrated the watson scandal. they found 22 women to accuse him, half of whom were willing to go all the way to a grand jury. they did this so that they could hold onto him for a year and give themselves zero leverage in trade negotiations. for sure," a user speculated. Another tweeted, "Disappointed in the way a ton of people are interpreting the Deshaun Watson news. Im gonna stand with the women. Odds are he did some horrible things.."

"To the women that are part of the Watson case. While you see people celebrating just know you are important and you have our continued support. Lastly, to all the victims that I have gotten to speak with your strength is always cherished and respected," a third user noted.