Former President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will not take part in any more debates ahead of the 2024 election.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump argued that Vice President Kamala Harris could’ve accepted an offer to debate on Fox News on Sept. 4, or could’ve negotiated a second debate before the ABC News debate.
“She was a no-show at the Fox Debate, and refused to do NBC & CBS. KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” Trump posted on his social media platform. ” Trump wrote.
Later Thursday, at a rally in Tucson, Arizona, Trump announced to a cheering crowd that he would not debate Harris again.
“So, because we’ve done two debates and because they were successful, there will be no third debate,” he said. “It’s too late anyway, the voting’s already begun.”
Harris had challenged Trump to another showdown immediately after Tuesday’s matchup in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump greets the crowd before speaking during the National Guard Association of the United States’ 146th General Conference & Exhibition, Aug. 26, 2024, in Detroit.Emily Elconin/Getty Images
Harris took the stage at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, just after Trump’s announcement. Although she did not cite Trump’s social media post, Harris said he and she “owe it to the voters to have another debate.”
“Two nights ago, Donald Trump and I had our first debate, and I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate,” Harris said. “Because this election and what is at stake could not be more important. On Tuesday night, I talked about issues that I know matter to families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in America’s small businesses, protecting reproductive freedom and keeping our nation safe and secure.”
“But that’s not what we heard from Donald Trump,” she continued. “Instead, it was the same old show, that same tired playbook that we have heard for years, with no plans for how he would address the needs of the American people because, you know, it’s all about him, it’s not about you. Well, folks, I said it then, I say it now, it’s time to turn the page.”
Harris repeated the line at another rally later in Greensboro, North Carolina, without mention of Trump’s decision.
But her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, did address it in a speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan, telling the crowd he thinks Harris and Trump should debate every day.
“Well, it’s not going to happen, because Donald Trump confirmed today he’s not doing another one,” Walz said. “Give him a little break. That one left a mark. He was was on full display the other night. His true colors were out there, not just his makeup.”
Union members react as Aerospace Machinists District 751 President Jon Holden (out of frame) announces that union members rejected a proposed Boeing contract and will go on strike, following voting results at their union hall in Seattle, on Sept. 12, 2024. Boeing workers in the Seattle region overwhelmingly voted to strike on September 12, rejecting a contract the embattled aviation giant characterized as a boon for staff given the company’s stressed financial condition. (Jason Redmond/AFP/Getty Images/TNS)
Tens of thousands of Boeing workers have voted to strike after rejecting the proposed contract from the embattledaerospace company — a move with far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy.
Boeing had reached a tentative agreement earlier this week with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, or IAM, the union representing 33,000 workers at Boeing plants in Washington State, Oregon and California.
However, union members rejected the contract agreement on Thursday night with a vote of 94.6%. IAM’s members will strike at midnight on Friday after 96% voted for the action.
“The message was clear that the tentative agreement we reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members,” Boeing said in a statement following the strike vote. “We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our employees and the union, and we are ready to get back to the table to reach a new agreement.”
A work stoppage would weaken Boeing as it struggles to recover from a years-long stretch of scandals and setbacks, hamstringing the nation’s largest exporter, experts told ABC News. But, they added, workers are frustrated with what they perceive as inadequate compensation and a sense they must sacrifice to make up for the company’s mismanagement.
Here’s what to know about what’s behind the strike and its implications for the U.S. economy:
Why are Boeing workers preparing to strike?
Neither Boeing nor the IAM wants a strike. The workers might carry one out anyway.
The tentative agreement struck this week delivers a 25% raise over the four-year duration of the contract, as well as worker gains on healthcare costs and retirement benefits. The union had sought a 40% pay increase over the life of the deal.
The agreement also features a commitment from Boeing to build its next commercial plane with union labor in Washington state.
Boeing touted the strength of its offer earlier this week. “Simply put, this is the best contract we’ve ever presented,” Stephanie Pope, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, wrote in a letter to union members obtained by ABC News.
The union echoed support for the agreement, urging workers to ratify the deal.
“We have achieved everything we could in bargaining, short of a strike. We recommended acceptance because we can’t guarantee we can achieve more in a strike,” IAM District 571 President Jon Holden, who leads the union local involved in negotiations, told members in a public letter.
In this June 25, 2024, file photo, Boeing…Show moreJennifer Buchanan/POOL via AFP via Getty Images, FILE
In response to ABC News’ request for comment, a Boeing spokesperson pointed to a letter sent to union members by CEO Kelly Ortberg.
“I hope you will choose the bright future ahead, but I also know there are employees considering another path — and it’s one where no one wins,” Ortberg said.
“For Boeing, it is no secret that our business is in a difficult period, in part due to our own mistakes in the past. Working together, I know that we can get back on track, but a strike would put our shared recovery in jeopardy, further eroding trust with our customers and hurting our ability to determine our future together,” Ortberg added.
IAM declined to respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
Still, the vote indicates that workers are ready to defy the company and the union. For years, West Coast Boeing workers have taken issue with their level of compensation, especially in light of strong company performance and a surge in the cost of living, experts said.
“There are years and years of pent-up frustration among Boeing workers,” Jake Rosenfeld, a professor of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis who studies labor, told ABC News. “This is an expression of being completely fed up.”
Union members also view themselves as being asked to make sacrifices made necessary by the company’s mismanagement, said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst at Atmosphere Research Group.
In January, a door plug blew out of the company’s 737 Max 9 aircraft during an Alaska Airlines flight, prompting a federal investigation. The renewed scrutiny arrived roughly five years after Boeing 737 Max aircraft were grounded worldwide following a pair of crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed a combined 346 people.
In 2021, after a two-year ban, Boeing 737 Max aircraft were permitted to fly.
Boeing is carrying nearly $60 billion in debt, Pope noted in her letter to union members. The company’s share price has plummeted almost 40% since the outset of 2024. Ortberg took over as CEO last month.
“The workers cannot and should not be expected to bear all of the burden of the changes needed at Boeing,” Harteveldt said.
“But I don’t think Boeing is asking them or expecting them to do that,” Harteveldt added. “Boeing has extended what appears to be a very generous offer with substantial wage increases.”
What’s at stake in a potential Boeing strike?
Boeing, which employs 145,000 U.S.-based workers, is a major U.S. firm with a sprawling network of suppliers, experts said.
The company estimates that it contributes nearly $80 billion to the U.S. economy each year, and indirectly accounts for 1.6 million jobs.
A prolonged strike would weaken production with the potential to slow output, diminish income and trigger layoffs, Harteveldt said.
“There’s a risk of a downward spiral,” Harteveldt said.
Such a strike would not impact flight activity or down planes, however, since the workers at issue take part in manufacturing new products. That stands in contrast with an averted railroad strike in 2022, which would have halted a sizable share of the nation’s cargo trains.
“This wouldn’t be as devastating,” Rosenfeld said.
Still, he added, a potential strike would hold implications for a signature U.S. firm.
“It would further damage an iconic company that has already had years of setbacks,” Rosenfeld said.
Francine continues to weaken, now a tropical depression. However, this system is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee Thursday and Friday.
Elsewhere, we are monitoring an area of disturbed weather off the coast of the Carolinas for potential tropical development early next week. Tropical Depression Seven has been classified in the open Atlantic, and will track over the open waters throughout the week eventually becoming Tropical Storm Gordon.
Two tropical waves in the open Atlantic are being monitored for development as well.
September 11, 9 p.m.
Francine continues to weaken as it moves northeast through Louisiana. It is now a tropical storm with 70 mph winds. We also have Tropical Depression Seven that is just west of the coast of Africa that could become Tropical Storm Gordon overnight into Thursday.
Adam Sandler has officially announced that production has begun on a sequel to one of his most iconic films, Happy Gilmore, just in time for its 30th anniversary.
Sandler, who signed a lucrative $275 million deal with Netflix in 2020, is set to reprise his role as the hot-tempered golfer, with the streaming service finally producing a follow-up to the 1996 sports comedy. The original, directed by Dennis Dugan, has become one of Sandler’s most beloved works, grossing $41 million globally.
On Monday, Netflix confirmed the news, revealing that Kyle Newachek, known for directing Sandler in Murder Mystery, will helm the project. Sandler will co-write the script with Tim Herlihy, his longtime collaborator.
“Happy Gilmore 2 is officially in production,” Netflix shared on its social media accounts, alongside a sneak peek of Sandler in costume. The actor also posted on Instagram, writing: “It ain’t over. The way I see it… we’ve only just begun.”
Rumors of a sequel first began swirling earlier this year when Christopher McDonald, who played Sandler’s rival Shooter McGavin, revealed that Sandler had shown him a draft for the new film. In a radio interview in March, McDonald said: “Fans demand it, dammit!”
While details about the plot or other returning cast members remain under wraps, Sandler has previously expressed interest in exploring Happy Gilmore‘s journey into the senior golf tour. Speaking on Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast in 2022, he said: “Wouldn’t that be fun to do the senior tour of Happy Gilmore and try to write a great script about Happy as an older guy?”
With production now underway, fans can expect more updates soon on one of Sandler’s most anticipated projects to date.
Taylor Swift and Post Malone at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images)
After a brief schedule shift to accommodate Tuesday’s presidential debate, the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) returned to the spotlight, live from UBS Arena in New York. This marked the first time the VMAs were held at this venue, following two years at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The event celebrated MTV’s 40-year history of shaping and influencing pop culture, and the night was packed with performances, tributes, and appearances from some of music’s biggest names.
A Star-Studded Celebration of MTV’s Legacy
Hosted by rap sensation Megan Thee Stallion, the VMAs brought together a mix of veteran performers and rising stars, offering fans a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy. The night opened with a performance by Eminem, who returned to the VMAs stage, evoking memories of his legendary early 2000s appearances. His performance, featuring hits like “Houdini” and “Somebody Save Me” with Jelly Roll, set the tone for the night. However, some critics felt the performance lacked the fire of his previous VMA moments.
One of the night’s most anticipated moments came when Katy Perry accepted the prestigious Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Perry, a major player in both the pop world and MTV history, took the stage for a medley of her biggest hits, including “E.T.,” “Firework,” and her newest single “I’m His, He’s Mine.” Although her performance lacked the over-the-top production values that defined her earlier work, Perry still delivered a powerhouse vocal performance that reminded fans why she’s been at the top of the charts for over a decade.
Adding to the event’s nostalgic vibes, Carson Daly, the former host of Total Request Live, made an appearance as a presenter, as did Cyndi Lauper, the winner of the very first Best Female Video award back in 1984. The night continued to honor its rich history with a performance by Lenny Kravitz, marking his return to the VMAs stage after 25 years. Kravitz, who turned 60 this year, electrified the crowd with renditions of his classics like “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and a reworked version of his 1998 hit “Fly Away.”
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
While the night celebrated its legacy, it was also a launchpad for new talent. The VMAs welcomed a fresh crop of artists, many of whom made their debuts on the show’s legendary stage. Best New Artist nominees Chappell Roan and Benson Boone each delivered captivating performances. Roan’s set, which included her hit “Good Luck, Babe!” featured a Medieval theme complete with knights in armor, while Boone embraced a ’70s glam rock aesthetic, evoking comparisons to Freddie Mercury with his flamboyant stage presence.
Also making waves was BLACKPINK’s LISA, who, performing solo for the first time at the VMAs, showcased her star power with a high-energy set that captivated K-pop fans worldwide. Sabrina Carpenter, another first-time performer, wowed the audience with a futuristic, space-themed medley of her hits, paying homage to the show’s iconic Moon Person trophy.
Taylor Swift Dominates Once Again
Taylor Swift was the undisputed queen of the night, arriving with 10 nominations and leaving with six wins, including Video of the Year for “Fortnight,” her collaboration with Post Malone. Swift, already a two-time winner of the coveted award for her previous hits “Anti-Hero” and “All Too Well: The Short Film,” made history by becoming the most-awarded artist in VMAs history, surpassing Beyoncé. Swift also took home trophies for Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, Best Direction, and Best Editing.
In her acceptance speech for Video of the Year, Swift thanked her collaborators, including director Rodrigo Prieto, and took a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, whom she credited for bringing “happiness, fun, and magic” into her life. Swift also used her time on stage to remind viewers, especially those over 18, to register to vote, marking her second voter registration plea in 24 hours.
Performances that Defined the Night
The night was packed with performances that ranged from high-energy pop spectacles to emotional, heartfelt moments. Karol G returned to the VMAs stage a year after her debut to perform her new single “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Her performance was one of the most interactive of the night, as she danced through the audience and even shared a playful moment with Taylor Swift and Post Malone.
Shawn Mendes aimed to channel his inner rock star with a smoke-filled, guitar-heavy performance of his new song “Isn’t That Enough,” from his upcoming album Shawn. While Mendes’ vocal ability was on display, some felt that the performance was overproduced, with the smoke and theatrics overshadowing the music.
Halsey delivered a standout set, embracing a full-on Avril Lavigne-inspired vibe with her new song “Ego.” Surrounded by a suburban garage-themed stage, complete with a live band and electric guitar, Halsey reminded the audience of her punk roots while celebrating her resilience after battling health issues related to lupus.
Tributes to Pop Legends
Throughout the night, tributes to iconic MTV moments and pop legends were woven into both performances and fashion. Several artists paid homage to Britney Spears, who, though absent from the event, was honored by numerous performers. Host Megan Thee Stallion, Tate McRae, and Addison Rae all referenced Spears’ iconic VMAs looks, while Sabrina Carpenter included nods to the pop star in her own performance.
LL Cool J, a two-time VMA winner, also brought the crowd to its feet with a performance celebrating Def Jam Records’ 40th anniversary. Sharing the stage with Public Enemy, LL Cool J ran through a medley of his hits, including “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Doin’ It,” the latter of which he last performed at the VMAs in 1996.
Calls for Diversity and Representation
Beyond the glitz and glamour, some artists took the opportunity to address important social issues. Tyla, the South African singer who won the Best Afrobeats award for her hit “Water,” used her acceptance speech to advocate for a broader understanding of African music. Tyla emphasized that while Afrobeats has opened doors for African artists, the continent’s musical landscape is far more diverse. She highlighted the importance of not pigeonholing African artists into one genre, calling attention to the contributions of fellow artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy.
Closing Out a Historic Night
The night came to a close with a full-circle moment, as Taylor Swift and Post Malone accepted the final award for Video of the Year. Swift, ever the show’s star, gave a gracious speech and one final reminder for everyone to register to vote.
The 2024 MTV VMAs were a mix of past and present, honoring the show’s legacy while spotlighting the new generation of artists ready to take the reins. With its blend of nostalgia, dynamic performances, and record-breaking moments, the VMAs once again proved why it remains one of the most iconic nights in music.
PHILADELPHIA — Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump debated for the first time on Tuesday, a consequential matchup with just eight weeks until Election Day.
The debate was hosted by ABC News at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The 90-minute showdown was filled with animated zingers and tense exchanges on key policy issues facing the American people.
ABC News’ Washington Bureau Chief and Political Director takes a closer look at the latest poll numbers after Tuesday night’s presidential debate
Harris sought to portray herself as a new generation of leadership with a track record of results, while Trump tried to paint her as a radical Democrat and continued to criticize the Biden administration.
Here are some key takeaways from the debate.
Harris put Trump on defensive early on
The vice president didn’t waste any time in going on the attack against Trump.
“What we have done and what I intend to do is build on what we know are the aspirations and the hopes of the American people,” Harris said minutes into the debate. “But I’m going to tell you all, in this debate tonight, you’re going to hear from the same old, tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances and name-calling.”
She later took a dig at his rallies, claiming people leave them early out of “exhaustion” as he gives long speeches that sometimes include references to windmills causing cancer or to fictional characters such as Hannibal Lecter. Trump immediately defended his events and crowd sizes, saying he has the “biggest” and “most incredible” rallies in political history.
After Trump railed against crime in the nation, Harris said she thought the comments were “so rich” coming from someone who has been criminally charged multiple times. Trump has denied all wrongdoing in each of the cases against him.
Trump continues attacks on — Biden
Trump, who had a difficult time changing his message when Harris succeeded President Joe Biden as the Democratic Party’s nominee, continued to criticize Biden and continually tried to tie Harris to Biden’s record — most notably on the economy, immigration and leadership abroad.
“She is Biden,” he said. “The worst inflation we’ve ever had, a horrible economy because inflation has made it so bad, and she can’t get away with that.”
Harris, who has supported many of Biden’s stances while also offering her own economic proposals, quickly responded, “Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump. And what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country.”
In the “spin room” with reporters after the debate, Trump continued to blast the Biden-Harris record.
“She’s trying to get herself away from Biden, and she wasn’t able to do that tonight,” he said.
Did Harris succeed in introducing herself to viewers?
A key question heading into the debate was whether Harris would be able to define herself to voters who say they don’t feel they know her or what she stands for well enough.
A recent New York Times/Siena College poll found a sizable share of likely voters (28%) and registered voters (31%) feel they need to know more about Harris as a candidate. Those numbers were even higher among independent voters: 41% of registered independents and 38% of likely voters who identified as independent said they needed to learn more about her.
Harris began her first response to a question on the economy by saying she was raised by her mother in a middle-class family. Later, she highlighted her background as a prosecutor who has taken on transnational criminal organizations. She also noted that as a senator, she was at the U.S. Capitol when it was attacked by a pro-Trump mob on Jan. 6.
She also hit on some of her signature policy proposals, including her support for reproductive freedom and economic plans like expanding the Child Tax Credit and assisting first-time homebuyers. She also noted that both she and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, are gun owners and wouldn’t take people’s guns away.
While neither candidate went too deep into policy specifics, Harris did try to paint a clear contrast between what she is offering and what she believes Trump is proposing if elected.
“What I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country, one who believes in what is possible, one who brings a sense of optimism about what we can do instead of always disparaging the American people,” she said.
Meanwhile, Trump argued Harris is a “radical left liberal” and pressed her on some of her shifts on police funding, fracking and more since her 2019 Democratic primary campaign.
Trump still refuses to concede he lost the 2020 election
Trump tried to explain his own remarks recently in which he appeared to accept he lost the 2020 election, including his comment last week that he “lost by a whisker.”
“I said that?” Trump said on the debate stage when it was read back to him.
“Are you now acknowledging that you lost in 2020?” ABC News moderator David Muir asked.
“No, I don’t acknowledge that at all,” he said. “That was said sarcastically.”
Asked about the peaceful transfer of power, Trump did not say that he regrets anything about his actions on Jan. 6, 2021. He claimed he had “nothing” to do with what happened that day, which culminated in an attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Race comes up, but not gender
For the second time, Trump is campaigning against a woman for president. Harris’ gender was not broached during the debate, though her race was.
Asked by moderators about his previous false comments on her racial identity — including that Harris, who is Black and South Asian, “happened to turn Black” — Trump said he “couldn’t care less.”
“I don’t care what she is. I don’t care,” he said. “Whatever she wants to be is OK with me.”
When pressed, Trump doubled down, saying he read that she was not Black, and then that she was.
“And that’s okay. Either one was okay with me. That’s up to her. That’s up to her,” he said.
Asked for her thoughts, Harris went on the attack — but didn’t focus on herself. Instead, she focused on Trump’s falsehoods about former President Barack Obama’s birthplace and noted “he was investigated because he refused to rent property to Black families” to cast him as divisive and unfit.
“Honestly, I think it’s a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be president who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people,” she said. “I think the American people want better than that, want better than this.”
“This is the most divisive presidency in the history of our country,” Trump responded.
Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane Wednesday afternoon. Francine will bring heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous storm surge to much of coastal Louisiana and Mississippi.
We are also monitoring several areas for development. An area off the Carolina coast is being monitored for potential tropical development early next week. Three other areas in the open Atlantic are being monitored for potential development. None of which pose a threat to the Gulf at this time.
September 10, 6:30 p.m.
Francine is now a cat 1 hurricane as it continues northeast tracking towards the Louisiana coastline. Francine should make landfall Wednesday afternoon in Louisiana as a Category 1 hurricane. Impacts in SE TX look to remain minimal with a chance for breezy winds and scattered showers. Along our coast, we could see coastal flooding with storm surge between 1-3 feet. Also along the coast, we could see wind gusts near 40 mph.
September 10, 4 p.m.
The Tropical Storm Watches for the Southeast Texas coastline have been dropped for the region. The only weather alert in effect is the Coastal Flooding Warning as high tides and rain could lead to street and area flooding over the next 24 hours. A storm surge of 1 to 3 feet can’t be ruled out in spots, especially closer to High Island and the Sabine Pass.
Tropical Storm Francine is picking up speed as well, moving northeast at 10 mph and pulling away from the Texas coast.
SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) — Someone lucky in Sugar Land is waking up richer on Wednesday… $800 million richer!
The winning Mega Millions ticket was sold at the Murphy USA gas station off Highway 90A, right across from Constellation Field in Sugar Land.
The $800 million prize is the fifteenth Mega Millions jackpot won in Texas since December 2003 and the seventh largest jackpot in the game’s history.
“How do you feel about your chances?” an ABC13 photojournalist asked a shopper at the store on Wednesday morning.
“Greatly improved here. I’ll start getting them when I stop in the mornings to get my gas,” Lucell Hopes said.
And what would Hopes do with the money?
“Man, I would do a lot. Pay off all my bills and take care of my family,” he told ABC13.
The big winner took the lump sum option of just over $404 million before taxes.
They have 180 days to claim the prize.
The winning ticket matched all siz numbers in Tuesday’s drawing — 1, 2, 16, 24, 66 plus Mega Ball 6.
You always want to check your tickets, because other prizes are up for grabs! Mega Millions said four tickets matched the five white balls to win the game’s $1 million second-tier prize.
The Mega Millions jackpot now resets to $20 million and the next drawing is this Friday.
Fun fact — seven Mega Millions jackpots have been won on a Friday the 13th.
The NFL says it is reviewing a civil lawsuit filed Monday accusing Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and battery in October 2020 when he was a member of the Houston Texans.
“We are reviewing the complaint, and we will look into the matter under the personal conduct policy. Not looking at commissioner’s exempt list as there’s been no formal charges and the league’s review has just begun,” league spokesperson Brian McCarthy said.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in Harris County, Texas, the alleged actions occurred before Watson and a woman, who goes by the pseudonym “Jane Doe” in the court filing, were set to have dinner at the woman’s apartment.
The lawsuit states that Watson met the woman, a single mother, at a Houston restaurant and bar, managed to get her phone number and initially attempted to have her meet him at the Houston Galleria for a date. Reluctant to meet Watson in public, the woman instead agreed to a dinner date at her apartment, according to the lawsuit.
On the evening of the date, according to the lawsuit, she said Watson had trouble finding her apartment and began aggressively yelling and screaming at her on the phone, saying he didn’t “have time for this.”
The lawsuit alleges that, while applying makeup in her bathroom, the woman then found Watson “completely naked on her bed, lying face down on his stomach.” Watson then requested that the woman massage his buttocks and the woman “tried to appease Watson by rubbing his back, rather than his buttocks,” according to the lawsuit.
Watson then turned over and “continued to demand that Jane Doe massage him, gesturing from his knees to his groin,” according to the lawsuit. The woman told Watson that she was not a masseuse, to which Watson asked her what she wanted to do instead, the suit alleges.
Before the woman could answer, Watson “partially disrobed Jane Doe and penetrated her vagina without consent, implicit or explicit,” according to the lawsuit, which also alleges that Watson sexually assaulted the woman for several minutes before she escaped and grabbed a heavy piece of decor for self-defense. Watson then “stormed out of Jane Doe’s apartment,” according to the lawsuit.
In a statement to ESPN, a Browns spokesperson said, “We will respect the due process our legal system affords regarding the recently filed civil suit and follow the NFL’s guidelines on this matter.”
Watson, 28, served an 11-game suspension in 2022 after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage sessions. A pair of Texas grand juries declined to pursue criminal charges against Watson, but he served his suspension after the NFL and the NFL Players Association reached a settlement in his disciplinary matter.
Watson also had to pay a fine of $5 million and undergo mandatory evaluation by behavioral experts and follow their suggested treatment program before being reinstated by the league.
Watson settled 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits filed against him in the summer of 2022.
The lawsuit filed Monday is unrelated to the lone suit remaining from the women who accused Watson of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. However, the same attorney, Tony Buzbee, is representing the latest woman to sue Watson.
In March 2022, the Browns traded six draft picks, including three first-round picks, for Watson and gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million deal, which was an NFL record at the time.
The suspension and injuries have limited Watson to just 13 starts with Cleveland, which includes a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday — his first game since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last November. Watson completed 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions in the loss.
