The sexual assault lawsuit against NBA veteran Dwight Howard has officially been dismissed. The lawsuit, brought by Stephen Harper in July 2023, accused Howard of forcing Harper into unwanted sexual activity during a 2022 encounter. Harper has now dropped all claims against Howard with prejudice, effectively ending the legal battle between the two parties.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
Harper reported the initial incident to Gwinnett County police in 2022, leading to a police investigation. He claimed that he and Howard had exchanged messages on Instagram and agreed to meet for a sexual encounter at Howard’s residence. According to Harper, another individual identified as "Kitty" was also present during the incident. Harper alleged that both Howard and "Kitty" coerced him into non-consensual sexual acts.
Harper supported his claims by providing screenshots of his Instagram conversations with Howard and an Uber receipt confirming his travel to Howard’s residence. Despite these pieces of evidence, Harper never participated in a formal police interview, and as a result, the police suspended the case and chose not to pursue further criminal charges against Howard.
Legal Proceedings
In December 2023, Howard's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The motion was initially declined by a judge in February 2024, allowing the case to proceed. However, as Harper has now dropped all claims with prejudice, the case is officially closed.
Dwight Howard's Position
Throughout the legal proceedings, Howard has maintained his innocence. In an Instagram Live broadcast in October 2023, Howard addressed the accusations, saying, "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's NBA Career and Legacy
At 38 years old, Dwight Howard has had an illustrious NBA career. Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard quickly established himself as one of the premier centers in the league. Over his career, he earned eight All-Star selections and was a key player in winning the NBA title in 2020 during his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Howard's most recent NBA appearance was in 2022 with the Lakers. Following his tenure in the NBA, Howard has continued his basketball career overseas and is currently playing for the Taiwan Mustangs.
The dismissal of the lawsuit brings an end to a tumultuous chapter in Howard's personal life, allowing him to focus on his career and future endeavors. For fans and observers, the conclusion of this case serves as a reminder of the complex intersections between personal conduct and professional sport, and the scrutiny public figures face both on and off the court.