A US district judge has dismissed a federal lawsuit filed by a woman who accused New York Knicks owner James Dolan of sexually assaulting her a decade ago and orchestrating a meeting with jailed movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, leading to further abuse. The lawsuit was dismissed by Judge Percy Anderson in Los Angeles, citing the plaintiff's failure to plausibly allege a commercial sex act under federal law.
The judge also declined to hear claims based on state law against Dolan for sexual battery and aiding and abetting sexual assault, as well as against Weinstein for sexual assault and attempted rape. The plaintiff's lawyers expressed disagreement with the decision, arguing that it misinterpreted federal sex trafficking laws and undermined protections for survivors.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff, Kellye Croft, was working as a licensed massage therapist on a tour in 2013 when Dolan allegedly used his influence to pressure her into a sexual relationship. The lawsuit further claimed that Dolan arranged a meeting between Croft and Weinstein, resulting in her being sexually assaulted by Weinstein in a hotel room.
In response to the lawsuit, Dolan's spokesperson dismissed the allegations as a malicious attempt by an unscrupulous law firm. Weinstein's attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit has brought attention to the complexities of sexual assault cases and the challenges faced by survivors in seeking justice.
