In a notable legal development on Tuesday, a federal judge in California dismissed a high-profile lawsuit against James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers. The lawsuit, initiated by Kellye Croft on January 16, contained grave allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking dating back to 2013.
The Lawsuit and Allegations
Kellye Croft accused Dolan of sexually assaulting her while his band was on tour with The Eagles. According to the suit, Dolan was "extremely assertive, and pressured Ms. Croft into unwanted sexual intercourse with him," despite her clear objections. The complaint further claimed that Dolan trafficked Croft to California under false pretenses. What was supposed to be a professional engagement as a massage therapist allegedly turned into a situation where Croft was coerced into "unlawful and unwelcome sex acts."
Additionally, the lawsuit included allegations that Dolan facilitated a meeting between Croft and convicted sex offender and former movie producer Harvey Weinstein. This meeting, which allegedly took place in January 2014, led to an assault by Weinstein.
Judge's Decision
U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson dismissed Croft’s sex trafficking allegations with prejudice, which means these specific charges cannot be refiled. 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, allowing Croft the opportunity to refile these claims if she chooses to do so in the future.
The court also mandated that Croft pay the defendant's court costs. Croft initially sought monetary damages and a trial by jury for her claims against Dolan and Weinstein.
Reaction from Croft's Attorneys
In response to the judge's ruling, Croft’s attorneys, Kevin Mintzer and Meredith Firetog, expressed their disagreement with the court’s interpretation. "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 legal team stated.
Despite the setback, Croft’s attorneys remain resolute in their quest for justice. "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," they further indicated.
Implications and Next Steps
This ruling represents a significant legal victory for James Dolan, who has faced numerous criticisms and controversies in his tenure as the owner of the Knicks and Rangers. The dismissal of the sex trafficking claims with prejudice may be a relief for Dolan, but the outcome leaves room for further legal challenges concerning the remaining allegations.
Kellye Croft now faces the decision of whether to refile her other claims and pursue further judicial recourse. The public response to this case, especially given the involvement of figures like Harvey Weinstein, underscores the continuing societal focus on accountability for alleged sexual misconduct.
As legal proceedings continue to unfold, the sports and entertainment worlds will be closely watching for any further developments in this case. Dolan’s legal and public relations teams are undoubtedly prepared for the next steps, while Croft’s camp signals an unwavering commitment to seeking justice.
The court's decision to have Croft cover the defendant's court costs adds another layer of complexity to her pursuit of accountability and justice. This financial burden will weigh heavily as Croft and her legal team consider their next move.