In a noteworthy ruling on Tuesday, a U.S. District Court judge in California dismissed a federal lawsuit against James Dolan, the multimillionaire owner of the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. The decision represents a significant moment in high-profile sports and legal circles.
The lawsuit, which was initiated by Kellye Croft on January 16, contained grave allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking that dated back to 2013. Croft’s accusations against Dolan are serious and unsettling. She alleged that Dolan sexually assaulted her while his band was touring with The Eagles. The complaint asserted that Dolan was "extremely assertive, and pressured Ms. Croft into unwanted sexual intercourse with him," notwithstanding her clear objections.
Allegations and Legal Claims
According to Croft, the distress did not end there. Another troubling claim in her lawsuit detailed how she was flown out to California later in 2013 under false pretenses to work as a massage therapist. In reality, Croft alleged, she was trafficked by Dolan to "engage in unlawful and unwelcome sex acts."
Adding another layer of gravity to the allegations, Croft claimed that Dolan facilitated a meeting between her and convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein in January 2014. This meeting, Croft alleged, led to an assault by Weinstein.
Judge’s Ruling
U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson's ruling dismissed Croft’s sex trafficking allegations with prejudice. This legal term means that these charges cannot be brought up again in court. However, other claims in the lawsuit, such as sexual battery against Dolan, sexual assault by Weinstein, and aiding and abetting sexual assault by Dolan, were dismissed without prejudice. This distinction allows Croft the opportunity to refile those particular claims should she choose to do so.
Furthermore, the court required Croft to pay the defendant's court costs, adding another layer of difficulty to her legal battle. Initially, Croft sought monetary damages and a trial by jury for her claims.
Attorneys Respond
Following the decision, Croft's attorneys, Kevin Mintzer and Meredith Firetog, expressed their dissatisfaction with the ruling. "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 said.
Mintzer and Firetog indicated their plans to challenge the ruling, noting, "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 places James Dolan, a prominent figure in both sports and entertainment, under intense scrutiny and adds another chapter to the ongoing legal battles involving high-profile individuals. As the legal proceedings continue, the forthcoming details and decisions will undoubtedly be watched closely by both sports fans and the broader public.