Federal judge dismisses sex trafficking lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein and James Dolan
A closer look at the case
In a recent legal development, a federal judge has dismissed a sex trafficking lawsuit brought against Harvey Weinstein and James Dolan. The lawsuit, filed by Tennessee massage therapist Kellye Croft, alleged that Dolan coerced her into sexual activities during an Eagles tour in 2013 and arranged a meeting with Weinstein in 2014, where she claimed Weinstein sexually assaulted her.
The allegations and the court’s decision
Croft’s lawsuit detailed that during the Los Angeles leg of the Eagles tour, she was compensated $700 per day in cash, plus an additional $8,400, despite performing minimal massage work. She claimed that she was housed in a hotel to be “at Dolan’s beck and call for sexual favors,” which she found repulsive.
However, Judge Percy Anderson ruled that Croft’s allegations did not meet the criteria for sex trafficking under federal law. The judge noted that Croft’s claims were speculative and lacked concrete evidence linking her payments to a sexual relationship with Dolan rather than her employment as a masseuse.
The complexities of the case
Croft also contended that she was promised further work on other tours and feared losing these opportunities if she refused Dolan’s advances. The judge found this argument unconvincing, stating that the complaint presented multiple reasons for Croft’s continued relationship with Dolan, including loneliness and potential romantic feelings, without specifically connecting these promises to her decision to engage in the alleged sexual conduct.
The broader implications
James Dolan, who controls the New York Knicks, the Rangers, and venues like Madison Square Garden and the Sphere in Las Vegas, responded through a spokesperson. The spokesperson highlighted that Croft’s legal team, led by Douglas Wigdor, also represents Charles Oakley, who has been in a long-standing legal battle with Dolan.
“We are very pleased with the dismissal of the lawsuit, which was a malicious attempt to assert horrific allegations by an attorney who subverts the legal system for personal gain,” the spokesperson stated.
The next steps
Despite the dismissal, Croft’s attorneys have announced plans to appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit. They argue that the District Court’s decision misinterprets federal sex trafficking law and undermines protections for survivors.
“We respectfully disagree with the District Court’s decision, which we believe incorrectly interprets the federal sex trafficking law and undermines critically important protections for sex trafficking survivors,” said attorneys Kevin Mintzer and Meredith Firetog. “We will be appealing this decision and are confident that the Court of Appeals will correct this injustice.”
The ongoing battle
Weinstein, who has faced numerous lawsuits since his sexual abuse scandal erupted in 2017, was previously sued for sex trafficking. Some plaintiffs successfully argued that his offers of career advancement in exchange for sex were akin to coerced prostitution.
The judge also dismissed sexual battery and sexual assault claims against Dolan and Weinstein, citing that the federal court loses jurisdiction once the trafficking claim is dismissed. However, these claims can still be pursued in state court or federal court if the appeal succeeds.
“We will also continue to pursue Ms. Croft’s sexual battery claims against James Dolan and Harvey Weinstein, which remain unaffected by the decision,” her attorneys stated. “Our fight for Ms. Croft is just beginning.”
Reflecting on the broader context
This case highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating legal definitions and protections in sex trafficking and sexual assault cases. It underscores the importance of clear evidence and the difficulties survivors face in seeking justice. As the legal battle continues, it remains a critical reminder of the ongoing fight for accountability and protection for survivors of sexual misconduct.
For those interested in the broader implications of such cases, it is essential to stay informed and engaged with the evolving legal landscape. The outcomes of these cases can have far-reaching effects on how similar allegations are handled in the future, shaping the protections available to survivors and the accountability mechanisms for perpetrators.