The sexual assault lawsuit against NBA veteran Dwight Howard has officially been dismissed. The lawsuit, brought by Stephen Harper in July 2023, alleged a disturbing encounter involving Howard and another individual identified only as "Kitty." Harper has now dropped all claims against Howard with prejudice, effectively ending the legal battle.
This resolution marks a significant development in a case that has captivated public attention for months. Harper reported the initial incident to Gwinnett County police in 2022, claiming that he and Howard had initially exchanged messages via Instagram. According to Harper, the two agreed to meet for a sexual encounter at Howard’s residence, during which the alleged assault occurred involving both Howard and the mysterious "Kitty."
Allegations and Evidence
Harper's claims included providing screenshots of Instagram conversations with Howard and an Uber receipt confirming his travel to Howard's residence. Despite these pieces of evidence, Harper never gave a formal interview to the police, which ultimately led to the case being suspended by law enforcement. The Gwinnett County police decided not to pursue further criminal charges against Howard.
In December 2023, Howard's lawyers responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. However, in February 2024, a judge declined to dismiss the case, prolonging the legal proceedings. The decision set the stage for further court battles that have now come to an unexpected halt with Harper's decision to drop the lawsuit.
Howard's Response
Howard addressed the allegations and the lawsuit during an Instagram Live broadcast in October 2023, staunchly denying the accusations. "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 expressed, clearly frustrated by the ongoing scrutiny.
Career Highlights
At 38 years old, Dwight Howard remains a notable figure in the basketball world. Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, Howard quickly established himself as a dominant force on the court. Over his illustrious career, he earned eight All-Star selections and captured an 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.
In pursuit of continuing his career, Howard is currently playing for the Taiwan Mustangs. His transition to international play highlights his enduring passion for the game and determination to compete at a high level, even as his NBA days seem to be behind him.
While these recent legal troubles have undoubtedly cast a shadow over his legacy, the dismissal of the lawsuit allows Howard to move forward without the looming threat of this specific legal issue. For his fans and followers, it is a moment of relief that allows them to focus on his contributions to the game rather than controversies off the court.
As Howard continues his career in Taiwan, the spotlight will remain on him, both for his storied past and his future endeavors in basketball. Despite this tumultuous chapter, Dwight Howard's legacy as one of the premier big men in NBA history remains intact.