Edited by: TJVNews.com

James Dolan, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry known for his association with Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks, finds himself at the center of a shocking controversy. Accused of sexual assault by massage therapist Kellye Croft, the allegations date back a decade to her time working on a tour with the rock band The Eagles, where Dolan’s band was the opening act, according to a recently published report in the Wall Street Journal.

In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Croft claims that Dolan, now 68, subjected her to repeated unwanted sexual intercourse during the late months of 2013. The report in the WSJ said that she asserted that Dolan, leveraging his position within the entertainment industry, pressured her into compromising situations while she worked on The Eagles’ tour.

The lawsuit takes an even darker turn as Croft alleges that Dolan orchestrated her travel to Los Angeles in early 2014, ostensibly for work on The Eagles’ tour. Instead, she claims As was reported by the WSJ, Dolan set up a meeting with disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein, and accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her in January 2014. Croft contends that Dolan manipulated and exploited her, ultimately leading her into a perilous situation with Weinstein.

In a statement, Croft asserted, “James Dolan manipulated me, brought me to California to abuse me, and then set me up for a vicious attack by Weinstein,” as was indicated in the WSJ report. She expresses her hope that the lawsuit will compel Dolan to acknowledge his actions and take responsibility for the harm inflicted upon her.

Croft also alleges that she immediately informed Dolan about the assault by Weinstein, claiming that Dolan did not appear surprised by the revelation, the WSJ report said. This admission adds a layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about Dolan’s knowledge and potential involvement.

1. Danya Perry, a lawyer representing Dolan, vehemently denied Croft’s allegations, stating that they have no merit. As was noted in the WSJ report, Perry portrays the claims as an act of retaliation by an attorney who has pursued multiple cases against Dolan without success. Perry emphasized that compelling evidence supports Dolan’s position, asserting that this is not a simple he said/she said matter.

Douglas Wigdor, Croft’s lawyer, refutes the notion that he has lost several cases to Dolan, emphasizing that the lawsuit aims to hold Dolan accountable for his alleged actions. The report in the WSJ said that Croft seeks punitive damages, compensation for lost wages, and coverage for mental and emotional distress, among other costs, indicating the gravity of the impact on her life.

Dolan sits at the helm of a family empire that includes the New York Knicks and Rangers, Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Las Vegas’s Sphere arena.  The WSJ also reported that Dolan succeeded his father as chairman of AMC Networks in 2020, adding another layer to his influential position in the industry.

Dolan’s connection to Weinstein deepened as he served on the board of Weinstein’s production company. In interviews, Dolan described Weinstein as a close friend, blurring the lines between personal relationships and professional responsibilities, according to the WSJ report. This affiliation is highlighted by Dolan’s 2018 release of a song titled “I Should’ve Known,” expressing regret for being unaware of Weinstein’s behavior and that of other accused men.

Jennifer Bonjean, a lawyer representing Harvey Weinstein, vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as “meritless.” Weinstein, already serving a prison sentence for previous convictions, faces renewed scrutiny in connection with this case.

Weinstein, now 71, co-founder of Miramax and Weinstein Co., faced the full weight of the legal system. In 2020, he was convicted on charges of third-degree rape and first-degree criminal sexual act in New York, resulting in a 23-year prison sentence. Subsequently, in February 2023, a California jury found him guilty of forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration with a foreign object, and rape, leading to an additional 16-year prison sentence, the WSJ reported. Weinstein pleaded not guilty to both sets of charges, maintaining his innocence amid a cascade of legal troubles.

In 2017, allegations of sexual harassment against Weinstein were exposed by investigative reports from the New York Times and the New Yorker, the WSJ reported. These revelations not only led to a swift downfall for Weinstein but also triggered a wave of women coming forward with their stories of sexual assault, sparking the global #MeToo movement.

The intersection of Weinstein’s legal battles and Dolan’s involvement raises critical questions about accountability, complicity, and the responsibility of industry leaders. Dolan’s position on Weinstein’s board and his subsequent expressions of regret underscore the challenges in navigating relationships within an industry plagued by allegations of misconduct.