A federal judge recently dismissed a sex trafficking lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein and James Dolan due to insufficient evidence of a commercial exchange for sex.
Allegations and Lawsuit
Kellye Croft, a Tennessee massage therapist, filed the suit, claiming that Dolan pressured her into having sex during an Eagles tour in 2013. She also alleged that Dolan arranged for her to meet Weinstein at the Peninsula Hotel in 2014, where she was sexually assaulted.
During the tour, Croft was paid $700 per day in cash, plus $8,400, despite doing minimal massage work. She stated that she was expected to be available for sexual favors at Dolan’s request, even though she found him repulsive.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge Percy Anderson determined that Croft’s claims did not meet the criteria for sex trafficking under federal law. He noted that the payments she received could be attributed to her role as a masseuse on the tour, rather than a result of a sexual relationship with Dolan.
Croft also alleged that she was promised additional work on future tours and feared losing out on opportunities if she rejected Dolan. However, the judge found this reasoning insufficient to support a sex trafficking claim.
Response and Appeal
Dolan, who oversees various sports teams and venues, expressed satisfaction with the lawsuit’s dismissal, calling it a malicious attempt to tarnish his reputation. Croft’s legal team, led by Douglas Wigdor, indicated their intention to appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit.
Croft’s attorneys disagreed with the District Court’s decision, believing it misinterpreted federal sex trafficking laws and undermined protections for survivors. They expressed confidence in the Court of Appeals correcting this perceived injustice.
Continued Legal Battles
Weinstein faced sex trafficking allegations following his 2017 abuse scandal, with some arguing that his offers of career advancement in exchange for sex constituted coerced prostitution. The judge dismissed sexual battery and assault claims against Dolan and Weinstein, as the federal court’s jurisdiction ended with the trafficking claim’s dismissal.
Croft’s attorneys affirmed their commitment to pursuing sexual battery claims against Dolan and Weinstein, unaffected by the recent ruling. They emphasized that their fight for justice for Croft was just beginning.
FAQs
Q: What were the main allegations in the sex trafficking lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein and James Dolan?
A: The lawsuit alleged that Dolan pressured the plaintiff into sexual acts during a tour and arranged for her to meet Weinstein, who then assaulted her.
Q: Why was the lawsuit dismissed by the federal judge?
A: The judge found insufficient evidence of a commercial exchange for sex, leading to the dismissal of the sex trafficking claims.
Q: What are the next steps in the legal process for Kellye Croft’s case?
A: Croft’s legal team plans to appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit, believing that the decision misinterpreted federal sex trafficking laws.
Credit: variety.com
