A woman has filed a lawsuit in Harris County accusing NBA star James Harden of negligence. The complaint stems from an alleged sexual assault by his nephew, Justice Armani Blackburn, at Harden’s Houston mansion on New Year’s Day.
Allegations at the Mansion
According to the suit filed Monday, plaintiff Marisa Watley and two friends attended a club party at Polekatz on December 31, 2024. There, they met Harden in the VIP section. They later proceeded to an after-party at Harden’s home.
Watley says Blackburn offered the trio a drink from a bottle he brought. She took a small sip and her memory became “extremely hazy.” She passed out soon after.
She later recalls regaining consciousness to find Blackburn “having aggressive sex with her.” Per the lawsuit, he asked if she was “on birth control” and told her he wanted to ejaculate inside her.
Immediately afterward, a security guard ordered Watley to leave the home. As she exited, she saw another woman passed out inside.
Meanwhile, Watley’s friends were removed from the house without their belongings. The lawsuit says security lied to them, claiming “there were no more women in the house.”
Security Guard Conduct Under Scrutiny
The complaint alleges that Harden’s security team ignored warning signs and failed to protect Watley. Lawyers argue the guards obstructed attempts to find and help her.
“Had the security guards acted sooner… Mr. Harden’s security could have prevented this nightmare from occurring,” the lawsuit states.
Watley issued a statement: “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.”
She added, “I hope this complaint pushes security employees generally to act more responsibly when women are in danger.”
Harden’s Liability and Legal Expectations
The lawsuit names Harden as a defendant, citing his “vicarious liability for the actions of his guards and their corporate employer.” It seeks over $100,000 in damages from all parties.
Watley’s attorneys described their client’s decision to come forward as “strength and courage.” They affirmed they will “bring Mr. Blackburn and Mr. Harden to justice through the civil justice system.”
Despite the serious allegations, Harden’s representatives and the Los Angeles Clippers have not issued a comment. Houston police state they have no official record of her report.
Broader Implications for Celebrity Events
The complaint raises questions about responsibility at high-profile gatherings. Experts note that when hosts employ security, they assume duty of care for guests.
Watley’s suit seeks not only compensation but aims to establish accountability standards. The case could set significant legal precedent concerning the oversight duties of celebrity security.