James Harden Faces Civil Lawsuit Allegations
James Harden, a prominent guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, is facing serious allegations in a civil lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas. This complaint not only implicates Harden in negligence but also includes claims of sexual assault against his nephew, Justice Armani Blackburn. The lawsuit was lodged on a recent Monday, drawing attention to incidents that reportedly transpired during a New Year’s celebration hosted by Harden at his Houston residence.
Details of the Lawsuit
The plaintiff, Marisa Watley, accuses Blackburn of raping her while she was incapacitated at the party. Watley holds Harden accountable for the actions of the security personnel present at the event, alleging they failed to perform their duties effectively on January 1st. This legal action claims damages, including economic and punitive, and calls for a jury trial. Inquiries made to Harden’s representatives about the suit have resulted in no comments as of Monday.
Vicarious Liability and Incident Description
The legal filing indicates that Harden could be found “vicariously liable” due to the conduct of his hired security team, who are also named in the case. Watley, along with two friends—referred to as Jane and Emily for privacy—had attended the party following a night out at a Houston gentleman’s club. They received an invitation to Harden’s home, where they were greeted and allegedly served drinks by Blackburn, leading to their unconscious states.
Recollections of the Event
Watley’s account reveals a fragmented memory of the events, stating that she was in a heightened state of distress when she became aware of the assault, feeling as if she was in a “dream-like state.” Meanwhile, her friends were allegedly escorted out by Harden’s security, who failed to reach Watley despite efforts made by her sister and her sister’s friend, who sought assistance to identify her within the residence.
The Aftermath
Later, as Jane and Emily were unable to return and look for their friend, they reportedly saw Harden leave the premises, coinciding with their earlier observations of several women being incapacitated within the house, including Watley in a bedroom. Watley expressed her concerns about the role of security personnel in such situations, emphasizing the need for responsible action when a woman’s safety is at stake.
“It is painful to imagine that this all could have been stopped in time,”
she noted in her statement.
Legal Representation and Further Developments
In representing Watley, her legal team praised her fortitude in coming forward with her allegations. They reiterated their commitment to pursuing justice against both Blackburn and Harden through civil channels, emphasizing that the incident had been reported to law enforcement promptly. Harden, who is 35 years old and an 11-time All-Star, recently completed his second season with the Clippers, further magnifying the watchful eye on this unfolding legal battle. Law Murray contributed to this report.
