Seth Diamond’s experience at Madison Square Garden was quite jarring. The personal injury lawyer from Georgia was visiting New York City with his young son, hoping to catch a Rangers game. But when they arrived, they were turned away at the gate.
James Dolan, the owner of MSG, has been known for implementing a controversial policy that utilizes facial recognition technology to banish critics. It turns out Diamond is one of many lawyers who have found themselves barred from MSG and other venues like Radio City Music Hall. Interestingly, he hadn’t even been involved in the lawsuit against MSG; his firm had clients who had sued the team.
Instead of the game, Diamond and his son ended up at a nearby Build-A-Bear workshop. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “You know, the person making these decisions— they probably have more money than most people you’ll ever meet… But they’re doing something wrong,” he told ESPN.
In recent years, Dolan’s “exclusion list” has grown to encompass over 1,000 lawyers from about 90 different law firms, according to reports.
A spokesperson for MSG Entertainment disputed these claims, characterizing the report as “Total Hack Story.”
Since this controversial policy was put in place, many lawyers, along with Dolan’s critics, have reported heightened scrutiny, with security treating them like criminals. Some have even received formal notices in FedEx packages informing them of their bans.
One lawyer, Frank Miller Jr., described his encounter with security at Radio City Music Hall, where he was forcibly removed at a concert while his mother observed, evidently shocked. “They acted like there were agents, fingers to earpieces,” Miller recalled.
Other attorneys have similarly faced bans from popular events at MSG-run venues, with no chances for refunds or explanations. Justin Brandel, for instance, found himself unable to attend a comedy show his parents had generously gifted him tickets to, opting instead not to “give them the satisfaction” of kicking him out.
Nicolette Randy, a personal injury attorney, was thrilled to score a ticket to a Mariah Carey concert, only to be swiftly identified and escorted out by security due to facial recognition. “As soon as my bag went through, there were ten security guards around me,” she recounted, emphasizing the sheer absurdity of the situation.
Dun Watts, another lawyer, was thrilled to win tickets to a college basketball game, only to be booted just after taking his seat. His family was understandably alarmed as he was escorted out.
MSG Entertainment asserts that they have every right to use facial recognition technology to keep their venues secure, claiming that banned individuals can return once any legal disputes are resolved.
The company is currently dealing with some 19 lawsuits, which might explain their strict measures.
In a statement, a spokesman defended their exclusion policy, stating it is meant to “ensure the safety of our customers and employees.” They also reiterated that individuals actively suing them may be regarded as hostile and will be barred until the lawsuits conclude.
Interestingly, Dolan has previously defended this approach, suggesting that businesses have the right to refuse service to those they see as threatening. “If someone is trying to sue you or harm your business, it’s natural to feel unhappy about it,” he said in an interview back in January 2023.
