HOUSTON -- At an emergency hearing Friday morning, a Harris County judge ruled that one of the plaintiffs suing Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson must identify herself by refiling her lawsuit with her name attached.
The original lawsuit, filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, was filed on behalf of Jane Doe. In the 22 lawsuits filed against Watson alleging sexual assault and inappropriate conduct, only two women had been publicly identified.
The ruling was made by Judge Dedra Davis in the 270th District Court. A similar hearing regarding at least 12 other cases is set for noon ET Friday in the 113th District Court, according to court records.
During Friday's hearing, Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, accused Buzbee of using the women's anonymity to "kill the reputation of our client."
Buzbee argued that keeping the woman's name private is common in cases dealing with allegations of sexual assault. Buzbee also told Davis that another woman who decided to be named publicly has already received death threats.
Buzbee asked that the name be released to Hardin and his legal team but that they should not make her identity public.
Davis disagreed, saying Buzbee's legal team might be getting an unfair advantage in the case because of his use of media coverage.
"We need a balance of interests. A balance of interests is required for both parties," Davis said.
Hardin had filed the emergency motion Thursday, saying, "Mr. Buzbee's use of anonymous lawsuits violates Texas law and the basic concept of fairness."
"While I understand that anonymity often is used as a shield for victims, Mr. Buzbee is using it as a sword," Hardin said in a statement. "While shielding his clients from public scrutiny, Mr. Buzbee continues to use their anonymous allegations to destroy Mr. Watson. This is simply not right. And we look forward to resolving these matters in court."
In response to Hardin's motion, Buzbee's law firm wrote that the effort was a "blatantly transparent attempt to further traumatize, humiliate and embarrass brave women who have come forward to seek justice for their assault, sexual assault, and harassment at the hands of a serial predator."
The plaintiff's response included examples of profane and threatening messages that Ashley Solis received after publicly identifying herself earlier this week.
"Outing victims of sexual assault, assault and harassment can slow the healing process and force them to discontinue pursuing their cases," the law firm wrote.
Dallas-based attorney Michelle Simpson Tuegel told ESPN's John Barr that Texas law leaves the decision of identifying adults making sexual assault accusations to the discretion of the courts.
"The way I explain it to my clients is that there's not a 100% chance that their name won't appear in a public file," Simpson Tuegel said. "I tell them I'm going to fight for it to remain under a pseudonym, but I want my clients to know that it's a possibility."
In a statement Tuesday, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy called the allegations against Watson "deeply disturbing," noting, "We take these issues very seriously."
McCarthy said the league launched an investigation under its personal conduct policy last month after the first allegations and that the NFL is "continuing to closely monitor all developments in the matter."
Watson has denied the allegations in the lawsuits.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judge orders woman suing Deshaun Watson to disclose name - ESPN
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