Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray recently made news for sustaining a devastating knee injury ahead of the Mavericks game. Following the accident, Murray was given the “questionable” status and feared sitting out a game for the seventh time for the season.
In 2020, Murray and his girlfriend, Harper Hempel, also made headlines for an alleged Instagram sex tape leak. The couple blamed hacking for the incident and asked fans to delete said footage.
If you’re curious about the NBA star’s long-time girlfriend and whether the two are still dating, you’re in luck. Here’s all you need to know about Harper Hempel and the controversy that led to her brief departure from social media.
Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel were together when they were in college
Image source: Instagram
Who Is Harper Hempel?
Harper Hempel was born in August 1997, making her 27 years old at the time of this writing. She grew up in Union, Kentucky with parents Richard, a co-founder of eCoachSports, and Coleen Hempel.
Despite being a popular name in social media, Harper kept a tight lid on the information surrounding her childhood.
Like her boyfriend, Harper was quite the athlete in her school days. As a student at Larry A. Ryle High School, she earned district MVP honors and Team Leadership awards in volleyball.
Harper was quite the athlete in her school days
Image source: Instagram
In 2018, she attended and graduated from the Gatton School of Business at the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Digital Media.
Harper met Jamal at UKY, where the Denver Nugget point guard was also studying. Keeping their relationship “low-key”, the circumstances of their meeting remain a secret between their family and friends.
What Does Harper Hempel Do For a Living?
Harper Hempel is a photographer, entrepreneur, and social media manager. She manages her own business, Harper Hempel Photography, and offers professional photography services around her hometown.
With her knowledge of social media management, Harper managed to grow her online presence. Her Instagram handle currently boasts over 60,000 followers, where she regularly posts reels and photos about her lifestyle.
Harper’s photography focuses on capturing intimate and personal moments. Her company primarily offers couple shoots, family portraits, and group photos. It goes without saying that she’s phenomenal at her job, as seen in her
A photo of Harper Hempel and his family
Image source: Instagram
Is Jamal Murray Still Dating Harper Hempel?
Yes, Jamal Murray and Harper Hempel are still dating. The couple have been together for several years and remain steadfast in their relationship despite past controversies.
The Sex Tape Leak Controversy
In March 2020, the internet was shaken when an explicit clip of the then-23 Jamal and girlfriend, Harper Hempel, started circulating online. The video was allegedly posted on the NBA star’s Instagram story.
The incident has drawn the public’s attention to Harper, causing the photographer to delete her social media handles.
Jamal Murray Released a Statement
In a later statement, Jamal apologized to his fans and claimed his account had been hacked, denying that he was personally responsible for leaking the footage.
“First and foremost I would like to apologize to my fans. My account has been hacked, [I’m] currently working on the issue. Thanks,” the Denver Nuggets star posted.
Four random photos were reportedly posted on Jamal’s Instagram before he eventually deleted the account, seemingly corroborating his claim.
Hempel Begged Netizens to Delete Footage
Before deactivating her social media handles, Harper also took to Twitter (now X) and urged fans to delete the graphic clip. “If you have the video please delete it,” she requested.
View this post on Instagram
The couple’s followers have since reposted and retweeted Harper’s statement over a thousand times on the platform, showing and voicing their support.
“Always remember you did nothing wrong. Stay strong!” one fan wrote on X. Several years after the controversy, Harper is back to Instagram and appears to have moved on.
Final Thoughts
Being famous certainly has its downside, as illustrated in Harper Hempel’s case of controversy. As girlfriend to an NBA star, she’ll always be on the public’s judging radar. Despite that Harper seems unfazed and continues to grow professionally. Good for you, Harper!
Featured image source: Instagram
