Whereas the most recent arrest marks a brand new authorized problem for Harden, it’s not the primary time his title has surfaced in court docket filings.
In 2025, the NBA star was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, by a lady who alleged she was sexually assaulted by Harden’s nephew, Justice Armani Blackburn, following a New Yr’s Eve occasion held at Harden’s Houston mansion in 2024, per USA At the moment.
In accordance with the lawsuit, plaintiff Marisa Watley claimed she attended the gathering with buddies and was assaulted whereas unconscious.
The submitting alleged that Watley’s buddies have been faraway from the property by safety personnel whereas she remained contained in the residence.
Watley’s attorneys additional claimed that members of the family and buddies tried to find her that night time and contacted people related to Harden, together with his sister, who’s Blackburn’s mom.
The lawsuit alleged that safety personnel didn’t correctly reply to warnings that Watley was nonetheless inside the house.
Harden was not accused of collaborating within the alleged assault. Nonetheless, the lawsuit argued that he was negligent due to the actions of his safety workforce and claimed the incident might need been prevented had applicable steps been taken.
The submitting additionally alleged Harden was “vicariously liable” for the conduct of the safety personnel working on the property.