Ashley Solis is the first woman to publicly accuse Deshaun Watson of assault and sexual harassment.
At a press conference with attorney Tony Buzbee, Solís, a massage therapist, said her decision to speak publicly was “to regain power and regain control.”
“I’m here to regain power and control,” Ashley Solis said. “I am a survivor of assault and stalking.”
– ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 6, 2021
The first woman to file a lawsuit against Deshaun Watson (seated to the left of Tony Buzbee) was identified.
“My name is Ashley Solis. Remember that name. … I was scared. I’m not afraid anymore “. pic.twitter.com/gWqX6spFmv
– Aaron Reiss (@aaronjreiss) April 6, 2021
Ashley Solis is the first woman to come forward publicly to accuse Deshaun Watson of sexual assault ‘
“I am a survivor of assault and stalking, Deshaun Watson is my aggressor and my stalker, he assaulted me at home doing what I love the most, massage therapy” pic.twitter.com/oA8luucYNk– gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 6, 2021
“I am a survivor of assault and stalking,” Solís said. “Deshaun Watson is my assailant and stalker. Deshaun Watson assaulted and harassed me on March 30, 2020, in my own home, doing what I love the most: massage therapy.”
Ashley Solis, accuser of Deshaun Watson “I can no longer practice the profession I love the most without trembling … I hope you know how heartbreaking it is for me” pic.twitter.com/7fl1KKgB16
– gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 6, 2021
I can no longer practice the profession that I love the most without trembling during the session. My hands shake every time I place them on a client and I have to shorten the session. If only he knew how heartbreaking it is for me. I went into massage therapy to heal people, to heal their minds and bodies. To bring peace to their souls. Deshaun Watson stole that from me. It took that away from me, it tainted a profession that I take great pride in. Flashes of Watson’s face rush towards me in the moment. I think of his penis touching me, causing me to plummet. I suffer from panic attacks, anxiety and depression. I am in counseling as a result of Deshaun Watson’s actions. I hope you know how much pain you have inflicted on me emotionally and physically. I hope you know how much pain you have inflicted on these other survivors.
Watson has been charged with sexual assault and stalking to varying degrees since mid-March, with 22 women involved in various civil cases against him, all alleging some form of sexual assault or harassment. All women are represented by Buzbee.
Buzbee said Solís delivered a statement to Houston police.
The Houston Police Department opened an investigation after a complaint was filed against Watson on April 5. The NFL is investigating Watson under its personal conduct policy.
“People say I’m doing this just for money,” Solís said. “That is false. I present myself now so that Deshaun Watson does not attack another woman.”
You can watch the full press conference below:
www.sportingnews.com
Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.