"Drugged Champagne, Sexual Assault" Flight Attendant Accuses NBA Mogul... "Consensual Relationship, Money Motive," Says Defendant

Former Flight Attendant Claims Assault After Losing Consciousness in Hotel
Defendant's Side: "Consensual Relationship... Financial Motive Behind Allegations"

A former co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets, a team in the National Basketball Association (NBA), has been sued on charges of sexually assaulting a woman who previously worked as a flight attendant. The woman claims that he drugged her, causing her to lose consciousness before committing the alleged crime.

Flight attendant stock photo. Unrelated to the article content. Getty Image Bank

On September 29 (local time), the New York Post reported that a single mother and former flight attendant, referred to as Ms. A, has filed a civil lawsuit against Arthur Lavin, an octogenarian who previously served as a co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets. Lavin is accused of spiking Ms. A's drink with drugs to render her unconscious and then attempting to sexually assault her.

Ms. A, who is reportedly about 40 years younger than Lavin, stated, "After drinking a glass of champagne handed to me by Lavin in a hotel room, I immediately lost consciousness. When I woke up around 4 a.m. feeling feverish, I could only recall briefly witnessing Lavin sexually assaulting me; I remember nothing else." She strongly condemned Lavin, saying, "His actions are extreme and outrageous, and can never be tolerated in a civilized society."

The two are said to have first met in 2022 on a flight to Miami and maintained a relationship afterward. Lavin reportedly maintained close ties by giving clothes and financial support to Ms. A's son. Ms. A's attorney stated, "For years, Lavin used his wealth and influence as weapons, disguising himself as a caring friend. However, he betrayed that trust in a despicable way by sexually assaulting Ms. A while she was unconscious. No matter how successful someone is, they have no right to treat others as they please."

Defendant's Side: "Everything Was Clearly Consensual"

However, Lavin's attorney has completely denied these allegations. The attorney argued, "Ms. A brought two cocktails herself from a bar and appeared at Lavin's hotel room," and insisted, "Everything that happened was clearly consensual." The attorney further stated, "Lavin is deeply disappointed and shocked that Ms. A is making these outrageous claims solely for financial gain and to damage his reputation."