Why was Deshaun Watson on Selling Sunset Season 8? Details explored

Selling Sunset, a popular Netflix reality series, revolves around the lives of luxury real estate agents working at The Oppenheim Group in Los Angeles. The show features high-stakes property sales, personal drama, and the glamorous lifestyles of its cast members.

Season 8 premiered on September 6, 2024. NFL star Deshaun Watson appeared on Selling Sunset Season 8 as part of a house tour with his girlfriend, Jilly Anais. The couple was shown exploring a $5.79 million property in Los Angeles, as they searched for a comfortable place to stay during their visits to the city.

Watson's appearance focused on their desire for a cozy, convenient home, where they could keep personal items and easily return for work or training. Despite his legal controversies, this segment was included in the show, sparking some debate among fans and cast members about the decision to feature him, including Chrishell Stause.

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Deshaun Watson's appearance on Selling Sunset

Deshaun Watson, a professional NFL quarterback, appeared in Season 8 of Selling Sunset in Episode 6. During his cameo, Watson, along with his girlfriend Jilly Anais, toured a luxury home priced at $5,795,000 on St. Ives Drive in Los Angeles. The focus of the segment was on their search for a residence that would offer both comfort and convenience.

Watson's presence on the show sparked significant discussion, particularly due to his legal troubles. In 2021, Watson faced multiple allegations of sexual assault from numerous women. The accusations led to a high-profile civil lawsuit and significant media attention. Despite these controversies, Watson's appearance on Selling Sunset highlighted his search for a suitable home in Los Angeles, reflecting his desire for a comfortable living space.

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Chrishell Stause's response

Chrishell Stause Snapchat post (Image via Snapchat/@chrishell777)

Chrishell Stause, one of the main cast members, expressed her dissatisfaction with the inclusion of Watson's segment in Season 8. On her Snapchat account, Stause questioned why Watson's appearance was featured while other significant aspects of her personal life, such as her journey to motherhood with partner G-Flip, were not included in the show.

She highlighted the decision to showcase Watson’s house tour as a notable choice by the show's producers, implying that it was made despite the ongoing controversies surrounding him.

In her videos, Stause pointed out that Watson's inclusion seemed inconsistent with the show's emphasis on female empowerment. Her comments reflected a broader sentiment among some viewers who questioned the decision to feature Watson given his legal issues.

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Controversy and viewer reactions

Watson’s appearance on Selling Sunset was met with mixed reactions from the public. Some viewers criticized the decision to include him, citing his legal issues as inappropriate given the show's portrayal of female empowerment. Social media reactions included concerns about the optics of featuring a controversial figure while promoting a show centered on high-end real estate and personal drama.

One social media comment expressed disapproval, stating,

"Netflix producers allowing DeShaun Watson to be on Selling Sunset while the show tries to boast female empowerment is utterly disgusting."

Another viewer questioned,

"Now why in the hell is Deshaun Watson on Selling Sunset and why are they all kiki-ing with him like he doesn’t have 30 sexual assault allegations???"

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Legal background and NFL investigation

In 2021, Watson was accused of sexual assault by massage therapist Ashley Solis, leading to a civil lawsuit where she claimed he exposed himself and touched her inappropriately during a massage. Following these allegations, over 20 additional women came forward with similar accusations.

Watson has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In response to the initial lawsuit, he wrote via X (formerly Twitter) in 2021,

"I have never treated any woman with anything other than the utmost respect....this isn’t about money for me — it’s about clearing my name, and I look forward to doing that."

He also rejected a settlement offer, emphasizing his commitment to clearing his name. In 2022, two Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal charges related to the allegations. The NFL conducted its own investigation, resulting in an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine. Watson later settled 23 of the civil lawsuits against him.

Despite the controversies, he continued his NFL career, starting his third season with the Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024.

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Selling Sunset Season 8 is now streaming on Netflix, where fans can watch all the drama unfold. Catch up on the latest episodes to see the luxury real estate deals, personal conflicts, and surprising cameos like Deshaun Watson’s.