Amy Luciani, wife of former NBA star Dwight Howard, shared a heartfelt Instagram post Thursday detailing severe issues in their marriage, including multiple calls to Child Protective Services and the removal of their daughter from the home.
In the post, Luciani described feeling “shame” for airing personal matters publicly but said she felt compelled to protect herself and the children involved. She alleged Howard put himself in situations that led to CPS visiting their home three times in less than two months, with the most recent incident three days ago resulting in authorities taking their daughter.
Luciani also claimed she has called police on Howard three times during their 14-month marriage. She referenced filing for divorce after six months but reconciling after advice from others emphasizing marital commitments “through sickness or health.”
The post included an audio recording of Luciani speaking with Howard’s 12-year-old son, whom she said Howard coached to lie to authorities to provide an alibi. In the clip, Luciani tells the boy, “I know Daddy made you lie on me to police,” and he responds affirmatively while expressing guilt. She reassures him, “I Still Love You,” and he replies, “I Love You Too.”
Luciani emphasized her love for Howard’s children and her heartbreak over advocating for them at the cost of her marriage. “I could say so much about the pain I’ve personally endured but it’s about these children,” she wrote.
The couple married Jan. 11, 2025, in a private ceremony after Howard proposed in December 2024. Luciani filed for divorce July 1, 2025, citing an “irretrievably broken” relationship, but they later reconciled.
Howard, 40, an eight-time NBA All-Star and 2020 champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, has not publicly responded to the post. Attempts to reach representatives for Howard and Luciani were not immediately successful.
Howard’s History of Controversies and Accusations
Howard has faced several public controversies and accusations over the years, often involving personal relationships and allegations of misconduct.
In 2015, during a game with the Houston Rockets, Howard was captured on camera grabbing teammate Isaiah Canaan’s thigh, which some misinterpreted as inappropriate contact, sparking persistent rumors about his sexuality. Howard has repeatedly denied being gay, most recently in 2025, stating the incident was misconstrued and emphasizing it was “not nasty.”
In 2018, author Masin Elije accused Howard of harassment and threats after an alleged romantic relationship ended. Elije claimed Howard sent “goons” to intimidate him for refusing to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Elije filed a lawsuit in 2019, but it was dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
Howard has also been accused by multiple individuals from the LGBTQ+ community of hookups, followed by denials or efforts to keep matters private.
In July 2021, Stephen Harper filed a civil lawsuit accusing Howard of sexual assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment during an encounter at Howard’s Georgia home. Harper alleged a planned consensual meeting turned non-consensual when a third person joined, leading to forced sexual acts. Howard admitted to consensual sexual activity with Harper but denied any assault, stating the encounter involved mutual agreement. The lawsuit was dropped in August 2024.
Additionally, Royce Reed, the mother of Howard’s son Braylon and a former “Basketball Wives” star, has accused Howard of child abuse. In interviews, Reed described inappropriate discussions Howard allegedly had with their then-young son about sexual topics, including virginity and anatomy. Reed also claimed physical abuse during their relationship and efforts to silence her through legal means.
These incidents have contributed to ongoing discussions about Howard’s personal life, with some fans and commentators noting a pattern of allegations involving relationships, sexuality and family matters.
