Former NBA star, Dwight Howard, is vehemently denying allegations of sexual assault and battery made against him. Howard’s legal team is urging a Georgia court to dismiss the charges without a trial, claiming that the accusations are baseless. According to court documents obtained by ESPN, Howard maintains that the encounter in question was consensual and involved a third person present at his Georgia residence in July 2021. However, the Gwinnett County court has yet to make a decision on Howard’s petition, leaving the case in a state of uncertainty.
In a recent filing, Howard’s attorneys raised concerns about crucial text messages allegedly being deleted and excluded from the initial complaint made by Stephen Harper, the accuser. Furthermore, the defense team claimed that a review of the iMessage conversation between Harper and Howard revealed instances of doctored messages. The latest filing even included screenshots of additional text messages that were not originally presented as evidence. Howard’s attorneys argue that these messages not only demonstrate consent but also suggest that Harper was actively initiating sexual contact. According to Howard’s legal team, the explicit and consensual nature of the text messages undermines Harper’s claims, rendering them “frivolous.”
While Howard and his legal counsel mount a strong defense, Stephen Harper’s lawyers have yet to respond publicly to the recent filing. In Harper’s initial complaint, his legal team asserted that he and Howard had started corresponding over direct messages on Instagram in May 2021, with Harper initiating the exchange. As evidence, the complaint included alleged screenshots of Instagram conversations and an Uber receipt showing Harper’s trip to Howard’s residence on the night of the encounter. However, it is noted that Harper only went to the police a year later in July 2022, resulting in no charges being filed.
Howard’s defense seeks to paint Harper’s allegations as a case of unrequited love and revenge. According to Howard’s lawyers, after their consensual encounter, Howard lost interest in maintaining a relationship with Harper. They further claim that Harper threatened Howard, indicating that he would expose their private relationship to the public, including Howard’s family. Allegedly, Howard began receiving multiple demands for payment, originating from different lawyers and law firms over the course of a year. Frustrated by these unfulfilled demands and seeking retribution, Howard’s legal team argues that Harper filed the lawsuit as an act of revenge, aiming to tarnish Howard’s reputation and gain attention.
Dwight Howard, aged 37, is renowned for his illustrious career in the NBA. The former basketball star last played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2021-2022 season. Throughout his career, Howard has achieved great success, including eight All-Star appearances and three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. However, these accusations threaten to overshadow his accomplishments and jeopardize his reputation in the public eye.
Dwight Howard finds himself embroiled in a legal battle, fiercely challenging allegations of sexual assault and battery. As the court deliberates on whether to dismiss the case or proceed to trial, Howard’s defense team contends that the evidence presented against him is tainted, pointing to deleted text messages and potential manipulation of the conversation. Meanwhile, Harper’s lawyers have yet to provide a public response or address the latest filing made by Howard’s attorneys. With both parties presenting conflicting narratives, the outcome of this high-profile case remains uncertain. Regardless of the court’s decision, the allegations leveled against Howard threaten to cast a shadow over his celebrated basketball career and leave a lasting impact on his personal and professional life.
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