The sexual assault lawsuit filed against NBA veteran Dwight Howard has been officially dismissed. The lawsuit, which originated in July 2023, was brought forth by Stephen Harper, who has now dropped all claims against Howard with prejudice.
Initial Allegations
Harper reported the initial incident to Gwinnett County police in 2022, claiming that he and Howard had exchanged messages via Instagram and agreed to meet for a sexual encounter at Howard's residence. Harper also alleged that another individual, identified as "Kitty," was present and that both Howard and "Kitty" forced him into unwanted sexual activity.
To substantiate his claims, Harper provided screenshots of his Instagram conversations with Howard and an Uber receipt verifying his travel to Howard’s residence. However, Harper never gave a formal interview to the police, which played a role in the case's suspension.
Legal Proceedings
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the police decided not to pursue further criminal charges against Howard. In December 2023, Howard's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was initially declined by a judge in February 2024. Nonetheless, the claims against Howard have now been dismissed with prejudice, effectively concluding the legal battle.
Howard's Response
Throughout the ordeal, Howard maintained his innocence. In an Instagram Live broadcast in October 2023, he addressed the allegations directly. "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 said, emphatically dismissing the claims against him.
Career Highlights
Dwight Howard's career in the NBA is marked by significant achievements. Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard has earned eight All-Star selections. He reached the pinnacle of his career by winning an NBA title in 2020 during his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. His most recent NBA appearance was in 2022 with the Lakers.
As of now, Howard is continuing his basketball career with the Taiwan Mustangs. At 38 years old, his professional journey showcases his resilience and enduring talent, despite the personal and legal challenges he has faced.
With the dismissal of this lawsuit, Howard can now focus entirely on his career and personal life, leaving these allegations behind him.