What started as a messy breakup between Amy Luciani and Dwight Howard has now turned into a full-blown “please stay far, far away” situation. And by far, we mean a court-ordered 100 yards. Yes, an entire football field. No casual run-ins at the grocery store, no “oops, I was just in the neighborhood.” Absolutely not.
According to reports, things got spicy and not in a fun way. Allegations claim Luciani made threats that had everyone clutching their pearls, including talk about harming people in Howard’s car, because clearly, when going through a divorce, the best strategy is to turn it into a crime documentary plotline.
But wait, there’s more. There are also claims she tried to come up with a plan to make Howard lose custody of his daughter, because nothing says “healthy separation” like plotting and scheming like it’s a reality TV finale.
The court, understandably, was not entertained. Judges tend to frown upon threats and elaborate plans that sound like rejected movie scripts. So, they stepped in and basically said, “Yes, let’s keep these two apart.” Hence, the 100-yard rule.
In the docs filed on Monday, April 6, the former Los Angeles Lakers star said his estranged wife “defamed” his character when she took to social media in March and accused him of being abusive and a drug addict. Howard claimed he’s “lost money and deals” because of her accusations.
He also claimed that due to her alleged actions, he and his kids are “afraid to be around her.”
Howard alleged Luciani has established a “pattern of behavior,” even checking the boxes stating that she “threatened” him with “a knife, gun or other deadly weapon” and has “killed or injured pets or threatened to do so.”
He claimed Luciani displays “excessive jealousy” and “control” over him and is “obsessive.”
Howard alleged Luciani has a “history of substance abuse” and “assaults” him when she is “drunk or high.”
When filing his protective order petition, Howard noted that there’s a gun in his home and it’s “readily accessible” to his ex. The eight-time All Star also revealed that he’s worried Luciani may try to use deadly force against him, noting that the pair recently separated.
The judge signed off on Howard’s petition the following day, ordering Luciani to stay away from Howard and his children while giving the ex-athlete sole and exclusive use of the mansion they shared and temporary possession of a 2015 Mercedes.
At the end of the day, the court order sends a clear message: keep it moving and keep your distance. Literally.
Hopefully, things cool down from here, because right now, this isn’t just messy, it’s “measure it with a tape ruler” messy.
