A federal lawsuit filed by a woman, Kellye Croft, alleging that New York Knicks owner James Dolan sexually assaulted her a decade ago and then set her up to be molested by Harvey Weinstein, has been dismissed by U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson. The judge cited Croft’s failure to plausibly allege a commercial sex act under federal law in the case. Croft’s claims against Dolan for sexual battery and aiding and abetting sexual assault, as well as against Weinstein for sexual assault and attempted rape, were also declined to be heard based on state, not federal, law. Croft’s lawyers disagreed with the decision, stating that it undermines protections for sex trafficking survivors.
Dolan’s spokesperson called the lawsuit a malicious attempt to assert horrific allegations by an unscrupulous law firm. Weinstein’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but had previously dismissed Croft’s assertions. The lawsuit claimed that Croft, a licensed massage therapist, was pressured by Dolan to submit to sex with him during a tour for The Eagles in 2013. Dolan allegedly orchestrated a meeting between Croft and Weinstein in 2014, where she was sexually assaulted by Weinstein in a hotel room. Croft has publicly come forward with her allegations.
The Associated Press typically does not name individuals who say they were sexually assaulted unless they consent to being identified or come forward publicly, as Croft has done in this case. The story updates that the comment on behalf of Dolan came from his spokesperson, not from the law firm representing him. The dismissal of the lawsuit raises questions about the interpretation of federal sex trafficking laws and the protections for survivors of such crimes. The decision highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice in cases of sexual assault and the complexities of navigating both state and federal legal systems in such matters. Despite the dismissal, the allegations made by Croft against Dolan and Weinstein shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual misconduct and abuse of power in various industries.
