is in the news again and this time it is for something rather controversial. The former NBA center recently denied accusations of cocaine use made by his estranged wife, Amy Luciani, also known as Amber Howard. The dispute has played out on social media and through legal filings as the couple moves toward divorce.
The issue became public in early March 2026 when Luciani posted several emotional videos online. In them, she accused Howard of drug use and described problems at their home. Howard responded soon after with a clear denial.
Amy Luciani’s allegations bring the dispute into public view
Over the weekend of March 7 and 8, Luciani posted videos on Instagram where she held a bag of white powder that she claimed belonged to Howard.
She said it was cocaine.
Luciani said Howard’s alleged drug use caused problems in their home in Suwanee, Georgia. According to her, police had been called to the house several times in recent months. She said officers visited the home three times within a short period, including one call related to a suicide threat and another involving a domestic situation.
She also claimed Child Protective Services became involved and removed one of her daughters from the home.
Luciani said she had tried to protect Howard by staying quiet but eventually felt the situation had become unsafe.
In the videos, she said the issue was not about money. She said she wanted Howard to get help and claimed people were ignoring her concerns because of his status and wealth.
Luciani also accused Howard of telling their 12-year-old son to tell police that she was the one using drugs.
Dwight Howard denies the accusations
Dwight Howard responded on March 11 through a Snapchat post. He said he has never used cocaine and rejected the accusations completely.
He also criticized people online for believing the claims without proof. Howard said many people quickly accepted the allegations without knowing the full situation.
He has not made additional public statements since then.
Divorce filing follows the public accusations
Court records show that Howard filed for divorce on March 9, two days before his Snapchat response. The filing describes the marriage as “irretrievably broken.”
The case includes mutual restrictions meant to protect both sides during the legal process. These provisions prevent interference with property, utilities, or family access while the divorce is handled.
Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani’s short and difficult marriage
Howard and Luciani were married in January 2025. Their relationship ran into problems within months.
Luciani filed for divorce once before, in July 2025, about six months after the wedding. She later withdrew that filing in August after the two attempted to work things out.
Their relationship continued to face public rumors and disputes. In 2025, Howard denied a claim that he had put drugs in Luciani’s drink.
Police in Gwinnett County confirmed that officers responded to three calls at the couple’s home in the two weeks leading up to the divorce filing.
Family members react to the situation
Howard’s oldest son, Braylon, whose mother is Royce Reed, commented on social media after the accusations surfaced. He described the situation as “crazy” but did not confirm or deny the claims.
Reed also addressed the situation online and dismissed Luciani’s statements.
Howard has five children from previous relationships. He does not share a biological child with Luciani. Details about the alleged Child Protective Services involvement have not been confirmed publicly.
Dwight Howard’s life after his NBA career
Howard last played in the NBA during the 2021–22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. That season he averaged 6.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Since leaving the league, he has played in international exhibitions and explored opportunities overseas, including appearances in Taiwan and the Philippines.
In 2026, he is mainly focused on business activities and family matters.
Howard finished his NBA career as an eight-time All-Star and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Over the course of his career, he earned more than $265 million.
The divorce dispute has now placed his personal life in the spotlight. With both sides speaking publicly, the situation continues to develop.
