Clippers' James Harden faces negligence accusation amid sexual assault lawsuit against nephew

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden was accused of negligence as his nephew was sued over alleged sexual assault and rape that occurred at a New Year’s Eve party in December 2024.

Marisa Watley accused Justice Armani Blackburn of sexual assault and rape in the lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas. The lawsuit accused Harden of negligence "due to the conduct of his in-home security staff after the party," according to a news release from Wigdor Law.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game two of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on April 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Isaiah J. Downing/Imagn Images)

A lawyer wasn’t listed for Blackburn. Fox News Digital reached out to Harden’s agency and the Clippers for comment.

Watley claimed that Harden’s security team removed two of her friends who had attended the party at his home with her despite "their pleas that she was still inside." Watley’s friends contacted her sister, Elaina, who then got in touch with Harden’s sister — the mother of Blackburn. The lawsuit said that Elaina Watley was able to get a photo to Harden’s security, but team members said there was a woman in the home with Blackburn, but the woman was not Marisa Watley.

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) warms up prior to game four of round one of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Intuit Dome on April 26, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Jayne Kamin/Oncea-Imagn Images)

PACERS' TYRESE HALIBURTON SUFFERS TORN ACHILLES, LIKELY TO MISS NEXT SEASON: REPORT

The lawsuit