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NBA star James Harden is facing a civil lawsuit alleging negligence after his nephew, Justice Armani Blackburn, allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at a private after-party hosted at Harden’s Houston mansion following a New Year’s Eve celebration.
The lawsuit, filed in Harris County, Texas, by real estate agent Marisa Watley, claims that during the early hours of January 1, 2025, she and two friends attended a VIP party before heading to Harden’s residence. At some point, Blackburn, Harden’s nephew, offered the group a drink from a bottle. Watley alleges that shortly after consuming it, she felt “extremely hazy” and eventually lost consciousness.
When she regained consciousness, she recalls Blackburn having “aggressive sex” with her while she was not fully awake and unable to consent. According to court documents, Blackburn even asked whether she was on birth control during the assault.
The complaint goes on to allege that Harden’s security team was present yet inactive as the assault unfolded. Watley’s friends reportedly raised concerns and asked to be allowed back in once they realized she was missing. Instead, security allegedly told them, “there were no more women in the house,” and escorted them out.
Watley’s phone, which was removed by security, was later found by her friends after they left the premises. Once her sister recognized her through photos and attempted to relay the information to security staff, they allegedly denied any knowledge of her presence.
The pleadings state that Harden, as host and employer of the security personnel, is vicariously liable for their failure to act. The suit argues that had the security team responded promptly to warning signs, the “nightmare” could have been prevented.
Watley is seeking more than $100,000 in economic, compensatory and punitive damages. She also requests a jury trial. Her attorneys, from Wigdor LLP and Ellwanger Henderson, praised her “strength and courage” for coming forward and emphasized that they intend to hold both Blackburn and Harden accountable in civil court.
By naming Harden, the complaint argues that celebrities must ensure their teams act responsibly, especially when guests are in vulnerable positions. As of now, neither Harden, his representatives, nor the Los Angeles Clippers have publicly responded. The Houston Police Department reportedly has no public record of a corresponding sexual assault report.