FOX 26 Houston
“My name is Ashley Solis. Remember that name.”
You’re looking at the very first woman who filed a sexual misconduct lawsuit against NFL star Deshaun Watson — who just revealed her identity at an emotional news conference in Texas.
Solis — formerly known as Jane Doe #1 — claims Watson acted inappropriately during a massage therapy session at her home in March 2020.
She had filed the lawsuit under an alias due to the fear of a public backlash — but says she feels empowered to go public and tell her story herself.
With attorney Tony Buzbee by her side, Solis said Monday, “I’m not afraid anymore. I’m here to take back the power, take back control.”
“I’m a survivor of assault and harassment. Deshaun Watson is my assaulter and my harasser,” she continued.
“I replay the incident over and over in my head as if I’m trying to wake up for some horrible nightmare — only that nightmare is real.”
Solis says she’s still dealing with lingering trauma from the incident — including the shakes — which prevents her from properly doing her job.
“I hope [Watson] knows how much pain he’s inflicted on me physically and emotionally,” Solis says.
she explained her father — “once a diehard Texans fan — “can no longer say his name without turning red.”
Solis says, “We were all deceived into thinking Deshaun Watson was a good guy.”
“I will not let Deshaun Watson define who I am. I will not let him win. He needs to be held accountable for his actions.”
For his part, Watson has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and says he has rejected settlement demands from the early accusers.
Watson also issued a statement from 18 female massage therapists who say he’s a respectful client who never put them in an uncomfortable situation.
22 women in total have lawsuits against Watson — all of them using an alias. Solis is the only person to reveal her identity to the public so far.
Buzbee says Solis and one other accuser have spoken with police — though he did not specify which agency she contacted.
The Houston PD announced it has opened an investigation into the Watson allegations — though no charges have been filed at this point.
Story developing …