MSG sues WIRED for defamation over celebrity database claims
A defamation lawsuit between Madison Square Garden and WIRED over an alleged VIP database highlights the growing corporate risks of using technology to profile individuals.
Madison Square Garden filed a lawsuit against WIRED in a New York trial court on Thursday, claiming defamation and interference with contracts and obligations. The action targets the publication, its ownership, and journalists Noah Shachtman, Maddy Varner and editor Katie Drummond. MSG is seeking financial compensation and a jury trial.
The legal action follows a WIRED article published earlier this month. It claimed the entertainment venue maintained an internal database labelling celebrities and VIPs by their sexuality, racial identity and perceived risk levels.
MSG categorically denies the implications of the reporting. The company argues the article falsely led readers to believe it tracked gay celebrities to exclude them from events.
In its court filing, MSG acknowledged holding information on celebrities' sexual orientations. However, it stated this data was kept alongside details such as birthdays and favourite sports teams solely to "further inclusion". The venue said the information was used to invite LGBTQIA individuals to sponsorship opportunities and community outreach events.
“The implication that MSG maintains a database with a sexual orientation field for exclusionary, discriminatory, security, or risk-based purposes is a lie,” the company stated. It added that the defendants “published the Article with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth.”
WIRED has dismissed the legal action. “We stand by this reporting, and plan to vigorously defend it against this baseless and ridiculous lawsuit,” the publication said in a statement.
For European investors and corporate governance observers, the dispute underscores the complex liabilities surrounding corporate data collection. While Europe enforces strict rules on profiling and sensitive data, US firms face different legal frameworks but similar reputational hazards. The case highlights the risks global entertainment companies take when deploying technology to profile VIPs.
WIRED indicated it will continue to scrutinise the company. “We look forward to continuing our coverage of MSG, and on billionaire James Dolan’s use of technology across his entertainment empire,” the statement read. The publication framed the lawsuit as an attempt to evade accountability.
