In a turn of events that has grabbed the attention of both the sports world and a broader audience, the sexual assault lawsuit filed against NBA veteran Dwight Howard has been officially dismissed.
The Lawsuit and its Dismissal
The lawsuit was initially brought forth by Stephen Harper in July 2023. Harper claimed that he and Howard had exchanged messages via Instagram, leading to an agreement to meet for a sexual encounter at Howard's residence. Harper alleged that another individual, identified only as "Kitty," was also present during this encounter and that both Howard and Kitty forced him into unwanted sexual activity. Harper tried to support his claims by providing screenshots of his Instagram conversations with Howard and an Uber receipt confirming his travel to Howard’s residence.
Despite these allegations, Harper never gave a formal interview to the police, who ultimately suspended the case and decided not to pursue further criminal charges against Howard. In December 2023, Howard's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Though a judge declined to dismiss the case in February 2024, Harper has now dropped all claims against Howard with prejudice, putting an end to the legal battle.
Howard's Response
Throughout the ordeal, Howard has maintained his innocence. In an Instagram Live broadcast in October 2023, he dismissed the allegations, 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."
The Ongoing Career of Dwight Howard
At 38 years old, Dwight Howard's career has been nothing short of remarkable. Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard has earned eight All-Star selections and an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. His most recent NBA appearance was in 2022 with the Lakers.
Currently, Howard is continuing his basketball journey overseas, playing for the Taiwan Mustangs. His transition into international basketball seems to be marking a new chapter in his extensive professional career.
This case, now officially behind him, allows Howard to focus entirely on his career and personal life without the shadow of legal troubles. For the broader NBA and sports community, it serves as another instance of the complexities and challenges that come with personal and professional scrutiny at the highest levels of public life.