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Deshaun Watson is losing sponsors at a rapid rate due to the sexual assault lawsuits brought against him.
On Tuesday after, massage therapist Ashley Solis spoke to the media in an emotional press conference where she publicly talked about the sexual assault she suffered by Watson during a massage session.
Ashley Solis is the first woman to come forward publicly to accuse Deshaun Watson of sexual assault'
"I am survivor of assault and harassment, Deshaun Watson is my assaulter and my harasser, he assaulted me at my home doing what I love most, massage therapy" pic.twitter.com/oA8luucYNk— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) April 6, 2021
Less than 24 hours after Solis’ press conference, several sponsors including Nike, Beats By Dre, H-E-B, and Reliant Energy have either decided to drop Watson as their spokesman or not renew their partnership with him while he faces sexual assault lawsuits from 22 women.
Nike has informed Deshaun Watson that it is suspending its endorsement of him, putting their deal with him on hold at this time, as he contends with civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. @Nike
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 7, 2021
According to a source, Beats by Dre has ended its relationship with Deshaun Watson. Earlier today, Nike said in a statement that they have suspended their endorsement deal with the Texans’ quarterback.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) April 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/aaronjreiss/status/1379846145741062147
In a statement, H-E-B said its relationship with Deshaun Watson “ended with the Texans’ 2020 season” and “there are no plans for future engagement.”
Earlier today, Nike suspended its relationship with Watson and Beats by Dre ended its partnership with him.
— Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) April 7, 2021
According to Forbes Sports Money, Watson makes about $8 million a year in sponsorship money a year which could be completely wiped out if he continues to lose sponsors.
Deshaun Watson, the subject of 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and harassment, was estimated last year to be making $8 million from endorsements—the fourth-best figure in the NFL https://t.co/7XcfdDSO32 pic.twitter.com/1pSo6I70pk
— Forbes SportsMoney (@ForbesSports) April 7, 2021
Watson is set to make $10.5 million next season in the NFL which could also be in jeopardy considering the league has currently opened an investigation against him and he could be suspended.