Disgraced NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson has sparked outrage after making a cameo appearance on the latest season of Selling Sunset, leaving fans furious over his inclusion. The Cleveland Browns quarterback, whose recent return to the field was disastrous, appears in season eight of the popular Netflix reality series alongside his longtime girlfriend, Jilly Anais.
The show, which follows high-end real estate brokers in Los Angeles, features Watson and Anais as they tour luxury properties with regular cast members Jason Oppenheim and Amanza Smith. The couple is reportedly looking for a new LA pad to enjoy during the NFL offseason. However, Watson’s presence on the show has reignited anger among viewers who feel he should not be given the spotlight due to his controversial past.
Back in 2021, Watson was accused of sexual assault by multiple women, leading to 26 lawsuits being filed against him. He has since settled 23 of the cases, with the remaining three set to proceed to civil trials. Although Watson has not faced criminal charges, the NFL suspended him for 11 games during the 2022 season and imposed a $5 million fine, citing conduct detrimental to the league.
Watson’s actions left a lasting stain on his reputation, and his return to football has been marred by inconsistent performance and public backlash.
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Given Watson’s history, fans were quick to voice their displeasure at seeing him on Selling Sunset. Many took to social media to express their frustration with Netflix for featuring Watson on a show that often promotes female empowerment. One fan tweeted, “Now why in the hell is Deshaun Watson on Selling Sunset and why are they acting like he doesn’t have 30 sexual assault allegations???” Another viewer echoed the sentiment, saying, “Why tf is that QB on Selling Sunset—please get him off my screen.”
Critics of the show also pointed out the hypocrisy of Watson’s appearance, with one user writing, “Netflix producers allowing Deshaun Watson to be on Selling Sunset while the show tries to boast female empowerment is utterly disgusting.” Another simply exclaimed, “WHAT THE HELL IS DESHAUN WATSON DOING ON SELLING SUNSET?”
Watson’s NFL career has been turbulent ever since his high-profile trade to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. After being sidelined for most of his time in Cleveland due to injury and suspension, Watson’s recent on-field performance has not lived up to expectations. In Sunday’s 33-17 blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Watson threw two interceptions and was sacked six times, raising further doubts about his value to the team.
The Browns had invested heavily in Watson, trading six draft picks, including three first-rounders, and signing him to the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history—a $230 million deal. Yet, Watson’s underwhelming performance, coupled with his off-field controversies, has many questioning if the Browns’ investment is one of the worst trades in NFL history.
Fans, already skeptical of Watson’s abilities and personal conduct, are now expressing disappointment in his appearance on mainstream entertainment platforms like Selling Sunset.
As the controversy surrounding his past continues to follow him, his struggles both on and off the field seem far from over.
For many, Watson’s cameo on the show only served as a reminder of the unresolved issues that still surround his career and character.