NBA veteran Dwight Howard, known for his basketball prowess and achievements, is currently embroiled in a legal battle following allegations of sexual assault made by male model Stephen Harper. Harper filed a lawsuit claiming that Howard and another individual, presenting as female, forced him into non-consensual sexual conduct during an encounter at Howard’s Atlanta-area residence in July 2021. Howard acknowledges engaging in sexual activity with Harper and another man but maintains that it was consensual, vowing to contest the charges in court.
Harper’s attorney, Olga Izmaylova of Atlanta Criminal Defense Team Sabbak & Izmaylova, P.C., provided a copy of the lawsuit and Howard’s response to The Advocate, shedding light on the contentious legal dispute. The lawsuit outlines how the two men initially met through Instagram in May 2021, later arranging an in-person meeting through text messages in July. Some of these messages, featuring explicit discussions and media exchanges, were included as exhibits in the lawsuit. While Howard disputes certain details in his response, he generally acknowledges key aspects of their interactions and conversations.
In the lawsuit, Harper alleges that he was on his way to Howard’s residence for a one-on-one encounter when Howard proposed a threesome via text. Harper claims to have declined the proposition. However, Howard’s response contends that Harper had previously consented to the threesome before arriving at Howard’s home on that fateful evening.
Text message screenshots provided to The Advocate reveal discussions between Howard and Harper about the possibility of a threesome. Still, there is no evidence within the screenshots demonstrating Harper’s explicit consent or refusal to engage in the proposed sexual act.
Harper describes their encounter as initially consensual, with both individuals undressing, getting into bed, and engaging in consensual kissing while watching television. The legal battle between Dwight Howard and Stephen Harper continues as the court delves into the complex details of this controversial case.
