Dwight Howard admits meeting claimant Stephen Harper, but denies assault charges, claims all interactions were consensual
The ex-NBA star says he did exchange sexually explicit text messages with a man named Stephen Harper but denies he assaulted the man.
radaronline.com
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> Dwight Howard denied he sexually assaulted a man he met on Instagram and has asked a court to dismiss the man’s bombshell lawsuit. According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, the NBA legend has admitted that he met his accuser Stephen Harper on social media in May 2021. Harper said he reached out to Howard with a direct message on Instagram. He said he sent his cell phone number which Howard texted after he received.
> In his lawsuit, he said Howard told him he was into “freaky” sexual stuff and that he asked for Harper to send him explicit photos. In his response, Howard said he did exchange texts with Harper between May 2021 to July 2021, “several of which included sexually explicit content, such as photographs and videos.”
> The ex-NBA star said Harper came over to his home on July 19, 2021. Howard admitted they went to his bedroom, removed their clothing, and “engaged in consensual kissing.” In his lawsuit, Harper claimed Howard surprised him by bringing out a man dressed as a woman. Harper said the man called himself “Kitty.” In his complaint, Harper said Howard wanted a threesome with Kitty, but he resisted. He said Kitty started performing oral sex on Howard.
> Harper said he was uncomfortable and did not want to participate. He said Howard tried to touch his thigh and stoked his “penis through his underwear.” Harper said he asked Howard to stop. Instead of listening, he claimed Howard told him he was “going to do whatever” and he was “going to like it.”
> Defendant stood up (towering over Mr. Harper), grabbed Mr. Harper by the thighs, forcibly removed Mr. Harper’s underwear, held Mr. Harper down, and performed nonconsensual oral sex on Mr. Harper,” the suit read. “Mr. Harper was in fear of imminent bodily harm when he was pinned down and forced to remain in place while Defendant continued to sexually assault him.” Harper said Howard stopped performing the sexual act on him when he realized Harper wasn’t enjoying it. The suit said Howard then ordered Harper to his bed. Harper said Kitty was having sex with Howard. Harper said Howard forced him to perform oral sex on him. He said he tried to call an Uber after the incident, but Howard made Kitty take him home. The lawsuit accused Howard of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment.
> In his response, Howard denied that Harper was surprised by Kitty. He said “Plaintiff was aware that would also be arriving at the home prior to Plaintiff even arriving at Defendant’s home.” Howard admitted that Kitty was a man dressed as a woman. In addition, Howard admitted that he touched Kitty and Harper but said it was all consensual activity. “The three agreed to touch one another and to engage in consensual sexual activity,” Howard’s lawyer wrote.
> Howard denied he sexually assaulted Harper or forced him to receive or perform any sexual acts. He has demanded the entire lawsuit be thrown out of court. As RadarOnline.com first reported, in his lawsuit, Harper submitted text messages and an Uber receipt from July 19, 2021 to prove he did visit Howard’s home.