In a significant legal development 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, brought forward by Kellye Croft on January 16, 2023, contained serious allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking, dating back to 2013.
The Allegations
According to the lawsuit, Dolan was accused of sexually assaulting Croft while his band was on tour with The Eagles. Croft alleged that Dolan was "extremely assertive, and pressured Ms. Croft into unwanted sexual intercourse with him," despite her clear objections. The complaint also detailed how Croft was flown out to California later in 2013 under the guise of working as a massage therapist but was allegedly trafficked by Dolan to "engage in unlawful and unwelcome sex acts."
The allegations extended further, involving convicted sex offender and former movie producer Harvey Weinstein. Croft claimed that Dolan facilitated her meeting with Weinstein in January 2014, resulting in an assault by Weinstein.
Court's Dismissal
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson dismissed Croft's sex trafficking allegations with prejudice, effectively barring these charges from being brought up again. However, other claims, including sexual battery against Dolan, sexual assault by Weinstein, and aiding and abetting of sexual assault by Dolan were dismissed without prejudice, leaving Croft the opportunity to refile those specific claims in the future if she chooses to do so.
Moreover, the court mandated that Croft pay the defendant's court costs. This decision was a setback for Croft, who was seeking monetary damages and a trial by jury for her claims.
Reactions from Attorneys
Following the dismissal, Croft's attorneys, Kevin Mintzer and Meredith Firetog, expressed their disagreement with the court's decision. "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.
They also emphasized their intent to continue fighting for Croft's case, "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 the [Tuesday's] decision. Our fight for Ms. Croft is just beginning."
Impact on Dolan
This dismissal marks a notable moment for James Dolan, who oversees two of New York's most prominent sports franchises. As the owner of the Knicks and Rangers, Dolan is no stranger to the media spotlight. The legal battle has undoubtedly cast a shadow on his professional endeavors, bringing attention to off-court controversies.
The dismissal of the sex trafficking claims may offer temporary respite for Dolan, yet the prospect of refiling other serious allegations looms over his professional and personal reputation. With Croft's legal team vowing to appeal and continue their fight, this case is far from concluded.
Next Steps
The legal procedures surrounding this case will continue to unfold as Croft's attorneys prepare for an appeal. This case serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities involved in legal battles related to sexual assault and trafficking allegations.
While the immediate legal outcome favors Dolan, the broader conversation about accountability and justice in high-profile cases remains as critical as ever. The forthcoming appeal and potential refiling of claims suggest that the narrative surrounding Dolan and this case will continue to develop.