Former NBA star Dwight Howard has vehemently denied the allegations of sexual assault and battery leveled against him. In an effort to expedite the resolution of the case, Howard’s attorneys have petitioned a Georgia court to dismiss the charges without a trial. The Gwinnett County court has yet to make a decision on the matter, but a recent filing obtained by ESPN sheds light on Howard’s defense.
Howard’s attorneys argue that the encounter between Howard and Stephen Harper, which took place at Howard’s Georgia residence in July 2021, was consensual. They claim that a third person was involved in the encounter and that all parties willingly participated. The attorneys further assert that Harper’s claims of sexual assault, emotional distress, and false imprisonment lack merit.
In the filing, Howard’s attorneys allege that key text messages were deleted and not presented as part of the initial complaint filed by Harper’s lawyers. Furthermore, the attorneys reveal that a perusal of the iMessage conversation between Howard and Harper exposes doctored messages. Screenshots of these alleged text messages, which were not included in the initial complaint, are included in the recent filing.
Clear Evidence of Consent
The newly revealed text messages, according to Howard’s attorneys, unequivocally demonstrate that Harper’s claims are baseless. The attorneys argue that the messages not only show consent but also indicate that Harper initiated some of the sexual contact. They assert that Harper was not only a willing participant but also expressed a desire for another encounter because the first had been enjoyable. Howard’s attorneys contend that the explicit messages prove Harper’s consent and render his claims invalid. They assert that the essential element of intent is negated, leading to the failure of the assault, battery, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress claims.
Harper’s Response
As of now, there has been no response from Harper’s lawyers regarding the recent filing by Howard’s attorneys. In Harper’s initial complaint, it was stated that he and Howard had been corresponding over direct messages on Instagram since May 2021. Harper purportedly initiated the exchange. The complaint included screenshots of alleged Instagram exchanges from the same year, as well as an Uber receipt indicating Harper’s trip to Howard’s residence on the night of the encounter. Harper went to the police a year later, which led to an incident report from the Gwinnett County Police Department, obtained by ESPN. However, no charges were filed.
Howard’s attorneys characterize the allegations as nothing more than a case of unrequited love. They claim that after one consensual evening together, Howard lost interest in continuing the relationship with Harper. The attorneys also allege that Harper threatened to make their private relationship public and harm Howard’s reputation. According to the attorneys, these threats escalated to demands for money, which were never fulfilled. They argue that the lawsuit filed by Harper is an act of revenge and an attempt to tarnish Howard’s reputation.
Dwight Howard, now 37 years old, last played in the NBA during the 2021-2022 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, he has achieved great success, being named an eight-time All-Star and a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Former NBA star Dwight Howard adamantly denies the sexual assault and battery allegations against him. His attorneys argue that the encounter was consensual and provide evidence of deleted and doctored text messages to discredit Harper’s claims. The attorneys assert that Harper’s motives are rooted in unrequited love and revenge. While the court has yet to make a decision, Howard seeks to clear his name and protect his reputation, having enjoyed a decorated basketball career.
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