A federal lawsuit brought by Kellye Croft against New York Knicks owner James Dolan, alleging sexual assault and setting her up to be assaulted by Harvey Weinstein, has been dismissed by U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson in Los Angeles. Judge Anderson stated that Croft’s claims did not meet the requirements of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act as she failed to establish a commercial sex act where she was paid for sex. The lawsuit also included claims under state law against Dolan for sexual battery and aiding sexual assault, and against Weinstein for sexual assault and attempted rape, which the judge declined to hear. Croft’s lawyers, Meredith Firetog and Kevin Mintzer of Wigdor LLP, disagreed with the ruling, stating that it misinterpreted federal sex trafficking laws and undermined protections for trafficking survivors.
In response to the dismissal, Dolan’s attorney, E. Danya Perry, characterized the lawsuit as a malicious attempt with horrific allegations by what was described as an unscrupulous law firm. On the other hand, Weinstein’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, did not immediately respond to requests for comments but previously dismissed Croft’s claims as well.
According to the lawsuit, Croft, a licensed massage therapist, worked on a tour for The Eagles in 2013 where Dolan’s band also performed. Allegedly, Dolan used his position to pressure Croft into engaging in sexual activities. The lawsuit claimed that Dolan arranged a meeting between Croft and Weinstein in a hotel elevator in early 2014, leading to an alleged sexual assault by Weinstein in a hotel room. The Associated Press does not customarily identify individuals who claim to be victims of sexual assault unless they choose to go public, as Croft has done.