Madison Sq. Backyard chairman James Dolan faces a sexual assault lawsuit from a therapeutic massage therapist stemming from 2013 allegations, a few of which contain convicted intercourse offender Harvey Weinstein.
A therapeutic massage therapist has filed a intercourse assault and trafficking lawsuit in California federal courtroom this week towards Madison Sq. Backyard chairman James Dolan, with allegations stemming from a 2013 tour that includes the Eagles and Dolan’s vainness venture, JD & The Straight Shot.
Within the submitting, the now 38-year-old Kellye Croft claims Dolan pressured her right into a sexual relationship whereas she labored as a therapeutic massage therapist in 2013 for the late Eagles frontman Glenn Frey.
As a part of her deal as a masseuse for Frey, Croft was permitted to therapeutic massage different members of each the Eagles and Dolan’s band, which have been taking part in collectively through the former’s Los Angeles residency. Notably, Croft’s hiring was financed partly by Dolan’s enterprise, which additionally allowed his band to affix the Eagles’ residency.
Following an incident with Eagles supervisor Tom Golseth, Dolan “promised to deal with the state of affairs,” after which Golseth was expelled from the tour. Dolan later used the incident as an “in” to make a sexual advance towards Croft on the finish of his therapeutic massage.
Though Croft informed him she was uninterested, as Dolan was 30 years her senior and married, she finally submitted to his advances “due to Dolan’s place of affect.” This led to ongoing sexual encounters all through the tour.
Throughout this time, each events have been staying on the Peninsula Lodge in Beverly Hills, the place Croft encountered Harvey Weinstein whereas ready for an elevator. Weinstein approached her and mentioned he was pals with Dolan, and was on the lookout for a masseuse on his film units. As this was earlier than the #MeToo motion, Croft agreed to debate the job in Weinstein’s suite, the place he started demanding a therapeutic massage.
Croft declined, at which level Weinstein allegedly informed her that “that is simply how individuals do issues in Hollywood,” and if she “(would) not be capable to deal with issues on the fly, you received’t make it in Hollywood.”
She says she left his suite and retreated to her personal room, however says Weinstein adopted her carrying solely a gown, compelled her again onto a mattress, and tried to penetrate her. Croft says she was saved by the telephone, which rang at that second and gave her a chance to flee.
Weinstein allegedly informed Croft that “(Dolan) and I are finest pals,” and “he’s going to be very upset you led me on; this received’t look good for you.”
The go well with contends that Dolan had organized for Weinstein to come across Croft on the lodge foyer, however doesn’t elaborate additional. Croft is in search of unspecified damages, asserting her experiences led to a downward spiral of melancholy and drug use.
Attorneys for each Dolan and Weinstein have denied the allegations. Weinstein is at present serving 39 years in jail for intercourse crimes in Los Angeles and New York.
The lawsuit is the newest to be filed as a part of a newly opened window for sexual offenses that came about in California between 2009 and 2019, which stays open till 2026.