NBA star James Harden is facing a civil lawsuit accusing him of negligence in connection to an alleged sexual assault that took place at his Houston estate during a New Year’s Eve party in 2024.
The suit, filed in Harris County, Texas, by plaintiff Marisa Watley and obtained by USA TODAY Sports, alleges that Harden’s nephew, Justice Armani Blackburn, raped Watley during the gathering, and that Harden’s in-home security team mishandled the situation in a way that may have prevented timely intervention.
According to the 18-page complaint, Watley’s friends were removed from the premises by Harden’s security, leaving her inside the residence alone.
James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers stands on the court during their game against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at Chase Center on April 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
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When her friends grew concerned, they sent a photo of Watley to her sister. Watley’s sister then forwarded that image to Blackburn’s mother—who is Harden’s sister—who in turn showed it to Harden’s security. The suit alleges that security denied the woman in the photo was Watley, a claim the lawsuit disputes.
Watley’s attorneys argue that the Los Angeles Clippers star should be held “vicariously liable for the actions of his guards and their corporate employer,” both of whom are named as co-defendants in the case.
“Since New Year’s Day, when I reported the rape by Mr. Blackburn to the police, I have remained puzzled by how Mr. Harden’s security behaved that day—it is painful to imagine that this all could have been stopped in time,” Watley said in a statement.
James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers reacts during play against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half at Intuit Dome on April 08, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
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“I hope this complaint pushes security employees generally to act more responsibly when women are in danger.”
Her legal team added, “Ms. Watley has shown great strength and courage in coming forward to hold Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Harden accountable for what happened to her on New Year’s Day 2025 in Mr. Harden’s mansion. This rape was immediately reported to the police, and we will bring Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Harden to justice through the civil justice system.”
As of now, neither Harden nor his representatives have publicly commented on the allegations.
James Harden speaks onstage during Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 21, 2025 in New York City.
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