Allegations against NBA player Dwight Howard sparks trans and homophobic reactions

By Natasha S. Alford

·November 27, 2018

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 24: Dwight Howard #12 of the Houston Rockets grabs a rebound during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Toyota Center on January 24, 2014 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dwight Howard

[griojw id=”ktoNrdWB” playerid=”BqxyiSkR”]

This weekend, NBA baller Dwight Howard was accused of violence and threats, from Masin Elijé ― a man claiming to be his ex-lover. In a tweet thread that has gone viral, the accuser who is also an author, says Howard threatened him for not signing an NDA after their relationship started.

I was afraid to speak but today my life was threatened after I was sexually harassed, threatened and manipulated, by someone I respected, my ex boyfriend NBA player Dwight Howard, and his camp also “”catfished”” by his disrespectful ass PASTOR pic.twitter.com/n1I1fwDcUw

— Masin Elijè (@MasinElije) November 25, 2018

There isn’t any confirmed evidence of the relationship but the accuser posted screenshots of texts and exchanges he said were from Howard.

Many parts of the internet reacted with transphobia, homophobia and plain confusion ―assuming the accuser was a transgender woman when he actually identifies as a gay man. Some also focused more on Dwight Howard’s alleged sexual preferences rather than the accusations that Howard threatened someone with violence.

Howard has yet to respond to the allegations.