In a recently submitted legal claim, James Dolan from MSG and Harvey Weinstein are accused of committing sexual misconduct.
The lawsuit, submitted in Los Angeles, alleges that Kellye Croft, then a 23-year-old massage therapist, encountered Dolan during the Eagles' tour in 2013. According to the court documents, at one point, Dolan "behaved assertively" and pressured Croft into unwanted sexual activity with him.
During the massage session, the suit claims, Dolan drew Croft closer. Croft attempted to conclude the massage, but Dolan increased his advances, viewing her resistance as a challenge or a game. Dolan then reportedly grabbed Croft's hands, dragging her to a couch in the same room and forcing her hands between his legs while he sat down. Croft firmly declared her unwillingness to engage in any sexual conduct with Dolan, who was married and significantly older than her at the time.
The lawsuit states, "She felt appalled and terrified in the situation, but the intense seclusion she felt from tour companions, coupled with Dolan's interest in her, his promises of support, and her recognition of Dolan's significant influence over everyone's standing on the tour—including her own—compelled her to submit to Dolan's advances."
Dolan is the owner of the NBA's New York Knicks and the NHL's New York Rangers.
In a statement to CNN, Dolan's attorney, E. Danya Perry, asserted, "There is no basis whatsoever for any of the accusations against Mr. Dolan." Perry further expressed surprise at Croft's agreement to these claims, stating, "This is not a 'he said/she said' matter and there is strong evidence supporting our stance. We eagerly await the opportunity to present our case in court."
Also named in the filing is disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. Croft accuses Dolan of orchestrating a meeting in a hotel that led to her alleged sexual assault by Weinstein.
In response to the allegations, Weinstein's attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, declared, "Mr. Weinstein fiercely denies these unsubstantiated claims and is eager to argue his case in court."
Weinstein was convicted of raping two women in New York in 2020 and another in Los Angeles in 2022 and is currently serving his sentence in New York.
Croft seeks monetary and punitive damages in the lawsuit, which states that for years, she was too traumatized to publicly discuss the incidents.
"I have endured immense suffering due to James Dolan and Harvey Weinstein's actions against me years ago, and it was not an easy decision to come forward and seek justice," Croft said in a statement to CNN. "To truly confront my trauma, I need to pursue accountability." Croft added, "My aim with this lawsuit is to force Dolan to acknowledge his actions and accept responsibility for the harm he has inflicted."
Croft's attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, expressed, "With the filing of today's complaint, it is time to hold Dolan accountable for his despicable conduct."
The lawsuit mentions that Croft, as a massage therapist, worked with Dolan during the Eagles' tour, making her a part of the same team or group as 'us'.
In her statement to CNN, Croft mentions her desire for Dolan to acknowledge his actions and accept responsibility, emphasizing the impact his behavior had on 'us'.
