In Watson Allegations, Buzbee Emails Show Attempts to Gain Financial Settlements in Claims that are “Not About Money”

At a press conference today, attorney Anthony Buzbee publicly introduced for the first time a plaintiff who claims she was sexually assaulted by Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson. Identified as Ashley Solis, she stated: “People say that I’m doing this just for money. That is false.”

The statement echoes similar comments repeatedly made by Mr. Buzbee in announcing an ongoing series of lawsuits. However, emails sent to Mr. Watson’s representatives in California reveal that Mr. Buzbee and attorneys at his firm sought $100,000 in hush money on behalf of Ms. Solis to quietly settle the allegations the month before he filed the first lawsuit.

In responding to the representative’s questions about the need for such a payment, Mr. Buzbee responded: “We made a legit demand. You rejected it. We won’t be making another or bid against ourselves.” He then added: “This is Houston, Texas. Perhaps you should find him a lawyer here so you can apprise both you and your client of the landscape here and who you are dealing with.”

A complete statement from Rusty Hardin and copies of the email communications made between February 3 and February 19, 2021 are available here.