Cowboys QB Dak Prescott filed a civil lawsuit on Monday, claiming that a Fort Worth woman falsely accused him of sexual assault in the hopes of extorting $ 100 million from him.
The suit, filed in Collin County, Texas, alleges that Victoria Shores “completely fabricated” an assertion of sexual assault against the Dallas QB.
“Mr. Prescott — a new father to a baby girl — has great empathy for survivors of sexual assault,” read a statement from Prescott’s lawyer, Levi G. McCathern. “He fervently believes that all perpetrators of such crimes should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. To be clear, Mr. Prescott has never engaged in any nonconsensual sexual conduct with anyone.”
Here’s what you need to know about the legal situation.
Dak Prescott extortion plot, explained
Shores’ lawsuit — sent via letter to Prescott and his lawyers — claims that the alleged assault took place at or around Feb. 2, 2017, shortly after the conclusion of Prescott’s rookie season. The letter states that Prescott and his entourage invited Shores into a black SUV, at which point he allegedly exposed his genitals and “used physical force” to sexually assault Shores despite verbal protests.
“Ms. Shores has had to live with this pain and trauma for 7 years,” the letter explains. “It affected her relationship with her fiancé and her everyday existence so much that she had to attend therapy and counseling and will require future therapy and counseling. She has suffered mental anguish that is unimaginable, dealing with the trauma of being a sexual assault of victim.
“Despite the tragic events, she is willing to forego pursuing criminal charges, along with disclosing this information to the public, in exchange for compensating her for the mental anguish she has suffered.”
Shores’ letter, published by Arlington-based attorneys Bethel and Yoel Zehaie, was directed to an email address affiliated with Mississippi State, Prescott’s alma mater. Shores’ legal team is seeking compensation for choosing to not go public or pursuing criminal charges for the incident. Shores is seeking $ 100 million in damages for the torment she allegedly experienced.
Prescott’s countersuit is also valued at $ 100 million. His lawsuit contends that Prescott never engaged in nonconsensual sexual behavior with anyone. It also states that Prescott shares great empathy with anyone who has experienced sexual assault and abuse.
“Defendants’ horrible lies not only threaten to destroy the legitimate legacy of a great man and cost him tens of millions of dollars, but Defendants’ conduct is criminal,” Prescott’s lawsuit states. “Further, Mr. Prescott is forced to file the instant case to bring the truth to light, defend his new family, and promote our society’s collective progress in support of legitimate survivors of sexual assault.
Prescott’s attorneys affirmed that the Cowboys QB would donate any recovery from the lawsuit to Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to aiding victims of sexual assault.
