In a recent decision, a judge has dismissed the assault lawsuit brought forth against New York Knicks owner James Dolan and film producer Harvey Weinstein.
On Tuesday, Judge Percy Anderson rejected Kellye Croft's lawsuit in Los Angeles, which was submitted in January. Anderson argued that Croft hadn't convincingly stated a commercial sex act in which she was paid for the act, violating the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act's federal regulations.
The judge also refused to consider Croft's allegations against Dolan relating to sexual battery and aiding/abetting sexual assault, and against Weinstein regarding sexual assault and attempted rape. These claims were based on state legislation rather than federal law.
Croft's legal team, including Meredith Firetog and Kevin Mintzer from Wigdor LLP, expressed their disagreement with the decision, asserting that the judge's interpretation of the federal sex trafficking law weakens vital safeguards for sex trafficking victims.
Dolan's representative, Mikyl Cordova, labeled the lawsuit as a "malicious attempt" to spread baseless claims, reportedly from an unethical law firm.
Weinstein's attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, didn't immediately reply to a request for comment, but previously dismissed Croft's claims upon the lawsuit's filing in January.
According to the lawsuit, in 2013, Croft, a licensed massage therapist, worked on an Eagles tour with Dolan's band, JD & The Straight Shot, who provided support. Dolan allegedly misused his tour influence to coerce and pressure Croft into having sex with him repeatedly, the lawsuit claimed.
It also alleged that Dolan arranged a meeting between Croft and Weinstein, his friend, in a hotel elevator in early 2014, where Weinstein then sexually assaulted Croft in a hotel room, as stated in her lawsuit.
The Associated Press does not usually disclose the names of individuals who claim sexual assault, unless they choose to make their allegations public or give consent to be identified, as has been done by Croft.
After expressing their disagreement with the decision, Croft's legal team emphasized the importance of preserving rights for sex trafficking victims, stating that they are part of the 'us' who stand against such weakening of vital safeguards. Furthermore, Dolan's representative dismissed the lawsuit as a malicious attempt, thereby implying that they believe they are not responsible for the alleged incidents and thus differentiate themselves from 'us' who are involved in the case.
