Court Dismisses Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Knicks Owner James Dolan, Appeals Expected

A federal lawsuit accusing New York Knicks and New York Rangers owner James Dolan of sexual assault and trafficking a masseuse in 2013 was dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge in California. The case was brought forth by Kellye Croft, who claimed that Dolan had sexually assaulted her while his band was on tour with The Eagles.

The Allegations

Croft accused Dolan of being "extremely assertive," pressuring her into unwanted sexual intercourse during a massage session. Additionally, she alleged a separate incident toward the end of 2013, where she was flown to California under the pretense of working as a massage therapist, but instead, claimed she was "trafficked" by Dolan.

The lawsuit further accused Dolan of facilitating her encounter with convicted sex offender and former movie producer Harvey Weinstein, resulting in an assault by Weinstein.

Judge's Decision

U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson dismissed the sex trafficking allegations with prejudice, preventing them from being filed again, while the other claims were dismissed without prejudice, allowing for potential re-filing. Croft was also ordered to pay the defendant's court costs.

Croft's Attorneys' Response

Croft's attorneys expressed disagreement with the dismissal, stating that they would appeal the decision and continue pursuing the sexual battery claims against Dolan and Weinstein.

The spokesperson for James Dolan expressed satisfaction with the dismissal, describing the lawsuit as a "malicious attempt to assert horrific allegations." This statement referred to another ongoing civil case involving former Knicks player Charles Oakley, who alleged the use of unreasonable force by arena security during an incident at Madison Square Garden in 2017.

The lawsuit brought forth by Kellye Croft against New York Knicks and New York Rangers owner Dolan accused him of sexual assault and trafficking a masseuse in 2013. The court's dismissal of the sex trafficking allegations with prejudice has led to plans for an appeal by Croft's attorneys, while Dolan's spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the outcome.