A federal lawsuit against James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, has been dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge in California. The lawsuit, filed by Kellye Croft on January 16, alleged that Dolan sexually assaulted and trafficked her in 2013. According to the lawsuit, Croft claimed that Dolan pressured her into unwanted sexual intercourse during a massage session and later flew her to California under false pretenses to engage in unlawful sex acts.
The judge dismissed Croft’s allegations of sex trafficking with prejudice, meaning they cannot be filed again. However, other claims including sexual battery against Dolan and sexual assault by Harvey Weinstein were dismissed without prejudice, allowing Croft to file them again if she chooses. The court also ordered Croft to pay the defendant’s court costs.
Croft’s attorneys expressed their disagreement with the court’s decision and stated their intention to appeal. They also emphasized their commitment to pursuing Croft’s sexual battery claims against Dolan and Weinstein.
In response to the dismissal of the lawsuit, a spokesperson for James Dolan issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the outcome. The spokesperson characterized the lawsuit as a malicious attempt by an attorney who has previously engaged in similar tactics.
The statement from Dolan’s spokesperson referenced another ongoing civil case involving former Knicks player Charles Oakley. Oakley is suing Dolan and Madison Square Garden for alleged excessive force used by arena security during an incident in 2017. The case was initially dismissed but later reinstated on appeal.
while some claims were dismissed in this federal lawsuit against James Dolan, others remain open for further legal action as Kellye Croft continues her pursuit of justice.
