Dismissal of Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Dwight Howard
The sexual assault lawsuit brought against NBA veteran Dwight Howard has officially been dismissed. The lawsuit, initially filed by Stephen Harper in July 2023, resulted in a sequence of legal events that have now culminated in the dismissal of all claims with prejudice.
Stephen Harper claimed he and Howard had engaged in conversations on Instagram before agreeing to meet for a sexual encounter at Howard’s residence. Harper reported that another individual, identified only as "Kitty," was present during this encounter and alleged that both Howard and "Kitty" forced him into unwanted sexual activity.
Initial Allegations and Evidence
Harper provided screenshots of his Instagram conversations with Howard as well as an Uber receipt confirming his travel to Howard's home. He reported the incident to Gwinnett County police in 2022 but never gave a formal interview to the authorities. Consequently, the police suspended the case, opting not to pursue further criminal charges against the basketball star at the time.
Legal Proceedings and Motions
The legal battle took a turn in December 2023 when Howard's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. It wasn't until February 2024 that a judge declined the motion to dismiss, allowing the case to proceed in court. However, in an unexpected development, Harper eventually decided to drop all claims against Howard with prejudice.
Howard's Response
Howard has been vocal about the accusations in the past. During an Instagram Live broadcast in October 2023, Howard dismissed the allegations, stating, "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." His stance has been one of firm denial throughout the ordeal.
Howard's NBA Journey
Dwight Howard, 38, has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in the NBA. Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard has earned eight All-Star selections. He notably won an NBA title in 2020 during his second stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. Howard's last appearance in the NBA was in 2022 with the Lakers, after which he has since transitioned to playing for the Taiwan Mustangs.
The dismissal of this lawsuit allows Howard to focus on his professional career without the overhanging shadow of these serious accusations. As he continues his career abroad, this dismissal may offer a chance to re-establish himself without the legal distractions that have recently plagued his life.