Context:

James Harden, a star player for the Los Angeles Clippers, is embroiled in a lawsuit alleging negligence related to a sexual assault accusation against his nephew, Justice Armani Blackburn. The lawsuit, filed by Marisa Watley in Harris County, Texas, claims Harden's security team acted negligently during a New Year's Eve party where the alleged assault occurred. Watley accuses the security team of removing her friends from Harden's home while she was still inside, potentially contributing to the alleged assault. The lawsuit suggests that if the security had acted responsibly, the alleged incident could have been prevented. Watley's legal team is seeking accountability from both Blackburn and Harden for the actions of that night, emphasizing the need for more responsible behavior from security personnel in such situations.

Dive Deeper:

• James Harden faces a negligence accusation as part of a lawsuit concerning alleged sexual assault and rape by his nephew, Justice Armani Blackburn, at a New Year’s Eve party in December 2024.

• The lawsuit, filed by Marisa Watley in Harris County, Texas, claims that Harden's in-home security staff's actions contributed to the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

• Watley alleges that during the party, Harden’s security team removed two of her friends despite their insistence that she was still inside the house, leaving her vulnerable.

• Efforts to reach Harden’s agency and the Clippers for comment were made, but no lawyer was listed for Blackburn, highlighting ongoing legal and public relations challenges.

• Watley's legal complaint argues that had the security team acted responsibly, the alleged rape might have been prevented, and it calls for increased accountability from security personnel.

• Watley expressed frustration and pain over the security team's actions, hoping the lawsuit would encourage more responsible behavior when women are at risk.

• Her legal team is determined to hold both Blackburn and Harden accountable for the alleged actions and responses of the security staff during the incident.