Judge Dismisses Federal Lawsuit Against James Dolan
In a notable decision on Tuesday, a U.S. District Court judge in California dismissed a federal lawsuit against James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. The lawsuit, filed by Kellye Croft on January 16, contained severe allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking dating back to 2013.
The lawsuit accused Dolan of sexually assaulting Croft while his band was on tour with The Eagles. According to the allegations, Dolan was "extremely assertive and pressured Ms. Croft into unwanted sexual intercourse with him," despite her clear objections.
In another distressing claim, Croft detailed how she was flown out to California later in 2013 under false pretenses to work as a massage therapist but was allegedly trafficked by Dolan to "engage in unlawful and unwelcome sex acts."
Croft's allegations also extended to convicted sex offender and former movie producer Harvey Weinstein. She alleged that Dolan facilitated her meeting with Weinstein in January 2014, leading to an assault by Weinstein.
Court's Decision
U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson's ruling saw the dismissal of Croft's sex trafficking allegations with prejudice, meaning these charges cannot be brought up again. However, other claims—like sexual battery against Dolan, sexual assault by Weinstein, and aiding and abetting of sexual assault by Dolan—were dismissed without prejudice, allowing Croft the opportunity to refile those specific claims should she choose to do so.
The court also mandated that Croft pay the defendant's court costs. Initially, Croft was seeking monetary damages and a trial by jury for her claims.
Legal Reactions
Reacting to the court’s decision, Croft's attorneys, Kevin Mintzer and Meredith Firetog, expressed their disagreement. "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," they stated.
Emphasizing their resolve to continue fighting for Croft, they added, "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."
Conclusion
This development marks a significant moment in the legal battles involving high-profile individuals like James Dolan and Harvey Weinstein. As Croft's attorneys prepare to appeal the decision and potentially refile other claims, this case continues to spotlight critical issues around sexual assault and trafficking in the entertainment and sports industries. The court's ruling may be a pivotal moment, but it certainly seems far from the last word on the matter.