Dwight Howard is asking for a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and battery to be dismissed.
Per a report from ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, a lawyer for the former Magic and Lakers player said that “a private consensual encounter” had been “made public for profit.” Earlier this year, a complaint from Stephen Harper saw Howard being accused of sexual assault at his Atlanta area home after the two first allegedly connected on Instagram in 2021.
In addition to sexual assault and battery, Harper accused Howard of emotional distress and false imprisonment. Howard, through his legal team, has denied the allegations against him. Furthermore, per lawyer Justin Bailey, Howard is planning to “trust in the justice system” moving forward.
"The truth is Mr. Howard blocked Mr. Harper on social media and then was confronted with two options—pay to protect his reputation or have a fabricated story made public," Bailey said.
During the alleged incident at Howard's home, per the Associated Press, Harper claims they were joined by a third individual despite him having not agreed to such a scenario in a prior text message.
Complex has reached out to Howard's management for additional comment. This story may be updated.
Following his third stint with the Lakers in the 2021-2022 season, Howard signed with the T1 team Taoyuan Leopards. He made his debut in Taiwan last November.
"I have always loved the energy I felt visiting Taiwan as you can see I still have posters hanging up on my walls from my first two times visiting!" Howard said in an IG updaet announcing the signing. "I’m ready to enjoy life by playing the sport I love in front of a bunch of people that love me."
At one point, Howard had expressed interest in joining the WWE.
