Dwight Howard Denies Drug Use Amid Divorce Filing

NBA star responds to estranged wife's claims of cocaine use during their marriage

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:27am

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Dwight Howard has denied his estranged wife Amy Luciani's claims that he was using cocaine during their marriage. Luciani made the allegations in a social media video, saying Howard needs 'help' and that 'CPS has been here three times in less than three months.' Howard responded by saying he has 'never done coke' and accused people of 'believing everything' they see online. Following the drug use claims, Howard filed for divorce from Luciani for the second time, stating the marriage is 'irretrievably broken' with 'no hope of reconciliation'.

Why it matters

The high-profile divorce and drug use allegations involving a former NBA star raise questions about substance abuse issues in professional sports and the challenges of maintaining healthy relationships in the public eye.

The details

Luciani claimed in a social media video that Howard was using cocaine during their marriage, saying 'this is what I'm losing my f--king marriage to.' She said she has been trying to get Howard help, but 'nobody wanted to listen because he's got the money.' Howard strongly denied the drug use allegations, writing on Snapchat: 'Never done coke in my life y'all will believe everything y'all see on the internet lol.' Following the claims, Howard filed for divorce from Luciani for the second time, stating the marriage is 'irretrievably broken' with 'no hope of reconciliation'.

  • On March 11, 2026, Luciani made the drug use allegations against Howard in a social media video.
  • On March 12, 2026, Howard denied the drug use claims on Snapchat, saying he has 'never done coke' in his life.
  • Also on March 12, 2026, Howard filed for divorce from Luciani for the second time.

The players

Dwight Howard

A former NBA player who is now being accused by his estranged wife of using cocaine during their marriage.

Amy Luciani

Dwight Howard's estranged wife who has made claims that he was using cocaine during their marriage.

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What they’re saying

“Never done coke in my life yall will believe everything yall see on the internet lol”

— Dwight Howard

“I've been trying to tell everybody, he needs some help. Nobody wanted to listen because he's got the money. I live with him, and he needs some help. … I told everyone you got to help him… He is spiraling and I'm in here with him. I'm trying to love him through it.”

— Amy Luciani, Dwight Howard's estranged wife

What’s next

The judge in the divorce case will likely have to determine the validity of the drug use allegations and how they impact the divorce proceedings.

The takeaway

This high-profile divorce case highlights the challenges that even wealthy and famous individuals can face in maintaining healthy relationships, as well as the need for greater awareness and support around substance abuse issues in professional sports.