In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson dismissed a federal lawsuit against James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, on Tuesday. The case, filed on January 16 by Kellye Croft, involved severe accusations of sexual assault and sex trafficking dating back to 2013.
The Allegations Against Dolan
Croft's lawsuit described various troubling incidents, alleging that Dolan had sexually assaulted her while his band was on tour with The Eagles. According to the complaint, Dolan was "extremely assertive" and coerced Croft into unwanted sexual intercourse despite her clear objections. This harrowing encounter was just the beginning of Croft's allegations.
The complaint further detailed an incident later in 2013 in which Croft was allegedly flown to California under false pretenses to work as a massage therapist. Upon arrival, she claimed she was trafficked by Dolan to "engage in unlawful and unwelcome sex acts."
Connections to Harvey Weinstein
One of the more shocking claims in Croft's lawsuit suggested that Dolan facilitated her meeting with convicted sex offender and former movie producer Harvey Weinstein in January 2014. Croft alleged that this introduction led to an assault by Weinstein, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Dismissal Details
Judge Anderson's ruling resulted in the dismissal of Croft's sex trafficking allegations with prejudice, preventing these charges from being brought up again. Other claims, including sexual battery against Dolan, sexual assault by Weinstein, and aiding and abetting of sexual assault by Dolan, were dismissed without prejudice. This distinction gives Croft the opportunity to refile these specific charges if she decides to pursue them further.
Croft, who initially sought monetary damages and a trial by jury, is now also required to pay the defendant's court costs as per the court's mandate.
Reactions and Next Steps
Croft’s legal team, represented by attorneys Kevin Mintzer and Meredith Firetog, expressed strong disagreement with Judge Anderson's decision. In their statement, they said, "We respectfully disagree with the District Court's decision, which we believe incorrectly interprets the federal sex trafficking law and undermines critically important protections for sex trafficking survivors."
The attorneys confirmed their intention to appeal, adding, "We will be appealing this decision and are confident that the Court of Appeals will correct this injustice. We will also continue to pursue Ms. Croft's sexual battery claims against James Dolan and Harvey Weinstein, which remain unaffected by Tuesday's decision. Our fight for Ms. Croft is just beginning."
This case has drawn significant media attention not only due to the profiles of the involved parties but also for its broader implications in the ongoing fight for justice for survivors of sexual assault and trafficking.
As Croft's legal battle continues, the sports and entertainment worlds will undoubtedly remain attuned to the developments, recognizing the broader ramifications of how such cases are adjudicated and the protections offered to individuals coming forward with allegations of such severe misconduct.