Nov 1, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks executive chairman James Dolan watches during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks
NEW YORK — For years, New Yorkers have hoped for the downfall of Knicks and Rangers owner James Dolan.
They just didn’t expect it to go down this way.
In a shocking development Tuesday, Dolan, 68, is being accused of sexual assault.
According to Ben Sisario of the New York Times, a lawsuit alleges that Dolan pressured then-27-year-old Kellye Croft into unwanted sex after she was hired to work as a massage therapist for a music tour headlined by the Eagles.
On multiple occasions during the tour, “she felt obligated to submit to sex with him.”
Douglas H. Wigdor, a lawyer for Croft, said, “With the filing of today’s complaint, it is time to finally hold Dolan accountable for his outrageous conduct.” Croft also claims she was sexually assaulted by disgraced Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein, who is currently in prison after being convicted of rape and sexual assault against multiple women.
Croft alleges in the lawsuit that Dolan coordinated a meeting between her and Weinstein in January 2014. The suit indicates Weinstein said he wanted to potentially hire her to provide massages to actors on movie sets. That eventually led to Weinstein allegedly chasing Croft into a hotel room and sexually assaulting her. Croft accuses Dolan of setting her up, stating: “James Dolan manipulated me, brought me to California to abuse me and then set me up for a vicious attack by Weinstein.”
Croft said she told Dolan about the alleged Weinstein assault immediately after it happened.
A lawyer for Dolan called the case “meritless” Tuesday, arguing that the inclusion of convicted sex offender Weinstein’s toxic name was meant to “inflame”.
“Mr. Dolan always believed Ms. Croft to be a good person and is surprised she would agree to these claims,” E. Danya Perry said in a statement. “Bottom line, this is not a he said/she said matter and there is compelling evidence to back up our position.”
