‘People are afraid to be who they are’: Lakers’ Dwight Howard responds to gay rumors after alleged relationship

Dwight Howard had a measured, matured response to people who called him gay and trolled him based on that.(Note: This interview is from 2019)

Having been at the center of some really unwarranted hate all through his career, Howard has seen it all. He went from being an MVP candidate during his Orlando days to now being a veteran’s minimum player. Howard had some crucial contributions to the Lakers’ 2020 championship.

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The big man is currently a free agent after averaging 7 points and 7 rebounds per game in a backup role for the Lakers. Teams looking to add defense to their lineup will very much be in the market for Howard, who’s had a resurgence after 2 ignominious seasons.

Dwight Howard’s response to gay rumors

A self-proclaimed gay man claimed that he and Howard had been involved in a relationship back in 2019. The accusations naturally gathered a lot of traction.

Howard addressed these rumors on an appearance on Kristine Leahy’s show ‘Fair Game’.

The Lakers star’s response showed how empathetic he was towards people who had been judged for who they love. The incident helped Howard understand the dynamics of people’s behaviour better and ultimately helped him gain more perspective.

“I’m not gay. But I think that liberated me. Because I saw how a lot of people would feel, whether they’re gay or they’re straight. Whether they have issues. People are afraid to be who they are. They’re afraid to just step out and be. Because they’re afraid of what other people might say or think about them. That situation made me realize you’re not like this, but just be you, be free.”

“It’s a lot of people who are and they have to hide, and there’s people who have mental issues and they have to hide. There’s people who have different problems in life and they have to hide. They have to put on the mask every day, and it’s like, I don’t wanna wear no mask, I just wanna be.”

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Howard’s measured response to this controversy is a far cry from the reputation he has garnered as an immature jock. Although the big man is one of the poster children for the ‘anti-vaxxer’ movement, this response here shows his maturity.