James Harden is facing legal trouble following a civil lawsuit that alleges negligence in connection to an alleged sexual assault.
It is involving his nephew during a New Year’s Eve party at Harden’s Houston residence.
According to a civil complaint filed in Harris County, Texas,
The Los Angeles Clippers guard is being held “vicariously liable for the actions of his [security] guards and their corporate employer,” according to a civil complaint filed in Harris County, Texas.
The case stems from an incident on December 31, 2024, where plaintiff Marisa Watley alleges she was sexually assaulted by Harden’s nephew, Justin Armani Blackburn, inside the home.
Watley claims she and two friends arrived at the party after visiting a local strip club and were later invited into Harden’s private studio.
Inside, Blackburn allegedly offered the women a drink, after which all three passed out. The complaint says Watley’s memory became “extremely hazy” and that she was “shocked into consciousness” while being assaulted, stating she was “in a dream-like state” and “not fully awake.”
Per the complaint, Harden’s security team removed the other two women from the house, but left Watley behind. Watley’s sister was eventually contacted by one of the women, who then reached out to Harden’s sister, the mother of Blackburn.
A photo of Watley was sent to Harden’s security team, who reportedly replied that the woman in the image was not her.
“Since New Year’s Day, when I reported the r*pe by Mr. Blackburn to the police, I have remained puzzled by how Mr. Harden’s security behaved that day – it is painful to imagine that this all could have been stopped in time,” Watley said in a statement. “I hope this complaint pushes security employees generally to act more responsibly when women are in danger.”
Watley is seeking a jury trial along with economic, compensatory, and punitive damages.
Representatives for Harden declined to comment when contacted by The Athletic, which first reported the lawsuit.
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