Former NBA player Dwight Howard found himself amid a legal battle as he faced a lawsuit over alleged sexual assault. However, the lawsuit has now been dismissed, marking a significant development in the high-profile case.
The dismissal of the lawsuit brings some closure to a tumultuous chapter in Howard’s life and career. While the details of the case are complex and sensitive, it is important to highlight the significance of the lawsuit being dismissed.
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The dismissal of the lawsuit does not necessarily mean that the allegations made against Dwight Howard are false. It simply means that the legal proceedings are no longer ongoing. The reasons for the dismissal could vary, ranging from lack of evidence to a settlement being reached between the parties involved.
ESPN’s Baxter Holmes reported Wednesday that the lawsuit was dismissed in a Georgia county court on Monday. Stephen Harper filed the dismissal and was also the one who filed the initial lawsuit against the former NBA player in July 2023.
Holmes explained that Harper cannot refile a lawsuit based on the same claims in the future because he dismissed them all with prejudice on Monday.
In the initial 2023 complaint, Harper accused Howard of sexual assault, false imprisonment and “intentional infliction of emotional distress” stemming from a July 2021 encounter at Howard’s residence.
Howard responded in an October filing saying they engaged in “consensual sexual activity.”
He also asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit without trial in a December filing that said the allegations were baseless, although he was denied that request. Howard’s lawyers wrote in that filing, “this is nothing more than a classic case of unrequited love. After one consensual evening together, Mr. Howard was no longer interested in keeping Mr. Harper’s company.”
While no criminal charges were filed, Harper went to police a year after the 2021 encounter. It led to an incident report from the Gwinnett County Police Department in Georgia.
As for Monday’s dismissal, one of Howard’s attorneys said there was no money paid to Harper in exchange for dropping the lawsuit.
The original story told by Stephen Harper was that he was forced into a threesome with Howard and someone named Mr. Kitty. Harper stated he wasn’t aware there was going to be a third person involved at the time of the alleged assault.
The dismissal of the lawsuit against former NBA player Dwight Howard over alleged sexual assault marks a significant development in his legal journey. While the details of the case remain complex and sensitive, it is important to acknowledge the impact that legal battles can have on individuals and to continue to support survivors who come forward with their stories.
Flip the pages for the text messages from the lawsuit.
