Madison Square Garden Sues Wired Magazine Over L.G.B.T.Q. Tracking Report
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Madison Square Garden (MSG) owners have filed a defamation lawsuit against Wired magazine over a July 9 article alleging MSG tracked LGBTQ individuals for discriminatory purposes.
- The Wired article reported that MSG maintained a "talent database" of about 40,000 VIP guests, including data on race, gender identity, and sexual orientation for some, with 93 entries marked as LGBTQIA.
- The lawsuit claims the article falsely implied MSG intended to discriminate against LGBTQ celebrities and guests, asserting instead that MSG has financially supported Pride and LGBTQ organizations and initiatives.
- Previous Wired reporting highlighted MSG's use of facial-recognition technology and surveillance, including tracking a transgender woman over two years, which MSG disputes in the current suit.
