What were the allegations against Deshaun Watson? Revisiting the controversy amid his Taylor Rooks’ redemption interview and Mia Khalifa’s resurfaced clip

Trigger Warning: This story contains references to sexual assault and disturbing details.Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson defeated the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football in Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season. But that was not the only thing that drew attention to Watson.It was his interview with Amazon Prime Video’s feature reporter Taylor Rooks, which prompted renewed interest in Watson’s controversial past. Also, a viral video with Mia Khalifa where she falls into his arms while trying to shoot hoops.Deshaun Watson’s controversial past and redemption journeyThe redemption interview has brought renewed attention to the sexual misconduct allegations that gravely affected Deshaun Watson’s career, reputation, and relationship with NFL fans.The civil lawsuits against Watson have been resolved, but the allegations remain part of the public discussion surrounding his 2026 NFL journey. Why? Because he's returning to the gridiron after nearly two years. So, that’s exactly where he’ll be most judged.To understand why his Taylor Rooks’ redemption interview and Mia Khalifa shooting hoops resurfaced video went viral, we need to go back to his controversial history - right where it all began - the alleged accusations.Deshaun Watson sexual misconduct allegationsESPN reported a summary of 22 civil cases filed against then-Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Here’s a glimpse.Multiple times in 2020: A licensed therapist was referred through a mutual friend in 2020. The alleged massage took place at Watson’s house. He refused to drape himself and wanted to lie on his back. Watson’s penis touched her hand several times; that was the first session.She was asked to massage his lower abdomen and groin area. Watson caused his penis to touch her hands continuously in the second session. She did a third session; by then, she concluded that he wanted sex. She fired him as a client as she didn’t want to ruin her marriage.March 2020: Watson contacted a licensed therapist directly via Instagram and insisted that no one else be present during his massage. She alleged that he exposed his penis and touched her hand with his penis. She ended the massage abruptly.He told her, “I know you have a career and a reputation. And I know you would hate for someone to mess with yours, just like I don’t want anyone messing with mine.” He texted her later to apologize, but she did not respond.April 2020: Watson contacted a licensed esthetician through Instagram. Watson told her to work on the crevices of his groin area during the massage. She alleged that when he rolled over onto his back, he had an erection and repeatedly touched her hand with his penis. He ejaculated. This left her feeling confused and mortified.October 2020: A woman had never given a massage at a spa in Houston before. She alleged her boss assigned her to Watson. She was required to sign an NDA, but she did not. Her boss instructed her to start massaging Watson’s legs.Later, he turned over and exposed his penis. The woman continued massaging his inner thigh, lower stomach, and sides as he instructed.Since his penis was exposed, she had to brush against it during the massage. Watson told her not to be afraid to touch him. She told him that she was not paid to do that. He told her that’s what he paid for, and then he left. He paid only a third of what he was supposed to pay.November 2020: A flight attendant who was studying massage therapy knew Watson through mutual friends. He reached out to her via Instagram. He wanted his first session at a hotel, but she declined it. He offered to drive her to her mother’s house.Before the session, he texted her that he had an NDA for the therapist to sign too. He left the NDA on the table. She alleged that he was very aggressive and wanted her to massage his anus. But she declined. He flipped on his back and exposed his penis. He directed her to his groin.Minutes after the massage, he texted her, “Hope that wasn’t bad.” The next day, he texted her at 7 AM for another session. A similar incident allegedly happened, and he ejaculated on her. He subsequently asked for another massage, but she declined.She reached out to a friend in the NFL and told him what had happened. That player said that there is a thin line between physical therapy and sexual pleasure, and Watson had crossed that line into sexual pleasure.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.