The sexual assault lawsuit involving former NBA star Dwight Howard has been officially dismissed, bringing an end to a legal saga that began in July 2023. The lawsuit, initiated by Stephen Harper, came to a close as Harper decided to drop all claims against Howard with prejudice.
The Allegations
Harper's initial complaint was filed following an alleged incident reported to the Gwinnett County police in 2022. According to Harper, he and Howard had initially connected through Instagram, exchanging messages that ultimately led to an agreement to meet at Howard's residence for a sexual encounter.
Upon arrival, Harper claimed that another individual, identified only as "Kitty," was also present. Harper alleged that both Howard and "Kitty" coerced him into unwanted sexual activity. Supporting his claims, Harper provided screenshots of his Instagram conversations with Howard and an Uber receipt confirming his travel to Howard’s home.
Legal Proceedings
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Harper never gave a formal interview to the police, and the case was subsequently suspended. Gwinnett County police decided not to pursue further criminal charges against Howard, leading to the legal battle that spanned several months.
In December 2023, Howard's legal team filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, but in February 2024, the presiding judge opted not to dismiss the case. This decision kept the lawsuit active until Harper eventually chose to drop the claims.
Howard's Response
Throughout the ordeal, Howard maintained his innocence, addressing the allegations in an Instagram Live broadcast in October 2023. "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 stated during the broadcast.
A Storied Career
At 38 years old, Howard has had a distinguished career in the NBA. He was the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, selected by the Orlando Magic. Over the years, Howard earned eight All-Star selections and was a key player in securing an NBA championship title in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers during his second stint with the team. Howard's last appearance in the NBA was in 2022, also with the Lakers.
Since then, Howard has taken his talents overseas and is currently playing for the Taiwan Mustangs, continuing his basketball career on an international stage.
While the legal chapter surrounding the assault allegations has come to a close, Howard's on-court feats continue to be a significant part of his legacy. The dismissal of the lawsuit marks the end of a contentious period, allowing Howard to focus entirely on his professional endeavors abroad.