Judge dismisses federal lawsuit against James Dolan and Harvey Weinstein

A federal lawsuit filed by Kellye Croft against New York Knicks owner James Dolan and former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been dismissed by a U.S. district judge.

Croft accused Dolan of sexually assaulting her a decade ago and allegedly arranging for her to meet Weinstein, who she claims later assaulted her.

Lacking evidence

Judge Percy Anderson dismissed the case, ruling that Croft did not provide sufficient evidence to prove a commercial sex act, which is necessary under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.

The judge also declined to hear her state-level claims against Dolan for sexual battery and aiding sexual assault, as well as her allegations of sexual assault and attempted rape against Weinstein.

Croft's lawyers criticized the decision, arguing that the court's interpretation of the federal law undermines important protections for sex trafficking survivors.

"Plaintiff continues to rely on the speculative conclusion that she was paid those amounts because of her sexual relationship with Dolan and not because she was hired for the tour as a masseuse," the judge wrote.

Dolan's spokesperson called the lawsuit an attempt to bring forward baseless accusations, while Weinstein's team has denied the allegations.

Croft, a massage therapist who worked during The Eagles' 2013 tour, alleged that Dolan manipulated her into unwanted sexual situations and facilitated an encounter with Weinstein in early 2014, which resulted in an assault. Croft chose to publicly identify herself, allowing her story to be shared openly.

"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 the attorneys, Kevin Mintzer and Meredith Firetog. "We will be appealing this decision and are confident that the Court of Appeals will correct this injustice."