MSG Sues WIRED Over 40,000-Name Celebrity Database Report as Trump Visit Tightens Game 3 Security
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 17
MSG Sues WIRED Over 40,000-Name Celebrity Database Report as Trump Visit Tightens Game 3 Security
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 17
Summary
Madison Square Garden Entertainment filed a 40-page defamation suit accusing WIRED of inventing a false story from data stolen in a hack, as heavy security preparations ramped up for NBA Finals Game 3 and Donald Trump’s planned attendance.
WIRED had reported MSG kept a database of nearly 40,000 names, with about 400 people assigned risk scores up to “DO NOT HOST” and nearly 100 labeled “LGBTQIA.”
MSG says the records were standard relationship-management data that included routine fields such as addresses, phone numbers and dietary restrictions, not evidence of discrimination or a blacklist.
WIRED said on X that it stands by its reporting and will fight what it called a baseless lawsuit, while continuing coverage of James Dolan’s use of technology across his venues.
The dispute grows out of a 45-gigabyte data dump by hacking group ShinyHunters and revives scrutiny of Dolan’s surveillance practices, including facial-recognition bans at MSG, the Sphere and Radio City Music Hall.