MSG Sues WIRED Over Celebrity Database, Dolan's Sphere Tie

James Dolan, Executive Chairman of Sphere Entertainment Co, is facing a new legal battle at his other company. Madison Square Garden Entertainment filed a defamation lawsuit against WIRED magazine. The complaint, submitted Thursday in Manhattan's New York Supreme Court, targets a July 9 article. That story claimed MSG kept a secret database tracking celebrities' sexual orientation. Named stars reportedly included Morgan Wallen, Ice Spice, and Selena Gomez. MSG's 40-page filing accuses WIRED of twisting stolen data into a false discrimination narrative. The lawsuit also names WIRED's parent company and three staff journalists. MSG is seeking a jury trial, damages, and a full retraction.

MSG Blasts WIRED, Names Journalists in Lawsuit

Three MSG corporate entities filed the complaint together. They include Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Holdings LLC, and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. The last entity owns the Knicks and Rangers franchises.

Named defendants include WIRED publisher Advance Magazine Publishers, parent company Advance Publications, and three journalists. Those staffers are contributing editor Noah Shachtman, reporter Maddy Varner, and editorial director Katie Drummond.

MSG's attorneys called the article shockingly unethical in the filings.

They argue WIRED combed through data leaked by a hacking group called ShinyHunters. The complaint states writers cherry-picked fragments to manufacture a misleading storyline. MSG seeks compensatory, presumed, and punitive damages.

WIRED's Database Claims and MSG's Rebuttal

WIRED's original story alleged that MSG's internal database logged roughly 40,000 names. Around 400 individuals reportedly received risk scores. Categories allegedly ranged from low risk to a "do not host" designation. Other names tied to the leaked records included Ricky Martin and Phoebe Bridgers. Singer-songwriter Benson Boone and rapper Fat Joe also appeared in the reporting. Geese frontwoman Emily Green was reportedly tagged under an LGBTQIA label too. MSG disputes this framing entirely in its new lawsuit. The company says the database supports inclusion and outreach efforts. It claims the tool helps flag fans for relevant sponsorship opportunities.

WIRED Defends Report, Cites Sphere and Class Actions

WIRED addressed the lawsuit in a statement posted on social platform X. The outlet said it stands firmly behind its original reporting. It vowed to vigorously defend that reporting against what it called a baseless and ridiculous lawsuit. WIRED added that it would continue covering MSG's operations going forward. The statement referenced billionaire James Dolan's broader use of technology across his venues. Those venues reportedly include Radio City Music Hall and the Las Vegas Sphere. WIRED framed its coverage as part of accountability journalism's core mission. MSG separately faces class actions tied to the ShinyHunters data breach. Those suits involve individuals whose personal information was allegedly exposed. The defamation case now heads to New York's court system for review.