Dwight Howard's Sexual Assault Lawsuit Dismissed
The sexual assault lawsuit against NBA veteran Dwight Howard has been officially dismissed, marking the end of a high-profile case that has captivated the sports community. The lawsuit was initially filed by Stephen Harper in July 2023, but recent developments have seen Harper dropping all claims against Howard with prejudice.
Harper first reported the alleged incident to Gwinnett County police in 2022. According to his claims, the two had exchanged messages via Instagram, leading to an agreement to meet for a sexual encounter at Howard's residence. In a twist that added to the controversy, Harper claimed another individual, identified as "Kitty," was also present and that both Howard and "Kitty" forced him into unwanted sexual activity.
Crucial pieces of evidence were put forward by Harper, including screenshots of Instagram conversations with Howard and an Uber receipt that confirmed his travel to Howard's residence. Despite these submissions, Harper never gave a formal interview to the police, and the case was subsequently suspended by the authorities. The police decided not to pursue further criminal charges against Howard.
In December 2023, Howard's legal team filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Despite their efforts, a judge declined to dismiss the case in February 2024. However, the latest legal development has seen the lawsuit officially dismissed, concluding a turbulent chapter for the NBA star.
A key moment in the public discourse surrounding the case occurred in October 2023, when Howard addressed the allegations during an Instagram Live broadcast. Clearly frustrated, Howard asserted, "Stop worrying about it. I ain't gotta deny it; I don't gotta talk about none of that crap. This s--- didn't even happen. You worried about the wrong stuff. That's why it's called an accusation. Allegedly. Come on, man."
Howard, now 38 years old, has had a storied career in the NBA. Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard went on to earn eight All-Star selections and won an NBA title in 2020 during his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. His most recent appearance in the NBA was in 2022 with the Lakers. Currently, Howard is continuing his basketball journey overseas, playing for the Taiwan Mustangs.