SAN FRANCISCO – A recent federal lawsuit against New York Knicks owner James Dolan and convicted movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been dismissed by U.S. District Judge Percy Anderson.
The lawsuit, filed by Kellye Croft in Los Angeles in January, alleged that Dolan sexually assaulted her a decade ago and then set her up to be molested by Weinstein. However, Judge Anderson dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that Croft had failed to plausibly allege a commercial sex act under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.
In addition, the judge declined to hear Croft’s 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.
Croft’s lawyers expressed disagreement with the decision, stating that it undermines protections for sex trafficking survivors. Dolan’s attorney called the lawsuit a “malicious attempt to assert horrific allegations,” while Weinstein’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to the lawsuit, Croft was working as a licensed massage therapist in 2013 when Dolan allegedly manipulated and pressured her into sexual acts. The lawsuit also claimed that Dolan arranged a meeting between Croft and Weinstein, resulting in sexual assault.
It is important to note that The Associated Press does not typically name individuals who report sexual assault without their consent, which Croft has provided in this case.
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