Editor’s Be aware: The next story offers with sexual assault, and could also be distressing for some readers.
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A circuit courtroom choose in Florida has dismissed a lawsuit two ladies filed towards former NFL kicker Brandon McManus and the Jacksonville Jaguars that accused McManus of sexually assaulting them on the crew’s abroad flight to London in 2023.
Choose Michael S. Sharrit granted a movement to dismiss and wrote in his order that the case doesn’t meet “distinctive” standards required for the ladies to have anonymity. The ladies used pseudonyms “Jane Doe I” and “Jane Doe II” within the lawsuit.
“Equity requires Plaintiffs be ready to face behind their prices publicly in the identical method Defendant McManus should overtly refute them,” Sharrit wrote.
The ladies have 10 days to file an amended grievance utilizing their authorized names, which their lawyer stated they’d do.
“Most defendants in sexual assault instances file some of these motions considering that the victims gained’t proceed in the event that they must publicly reveal their names,” lawyer Tony Buzbee stated in a press release. “We anticipated this ruling. To be clear, these ladies haven’t any intention of operating and hiding and can adjust to the courtroom’s order in a well timed style. We look ahead to persevering with to pursue this essential case.”
McManus’ lawyer, Brett Gallaway, referred to as the allegations “baseless.”
“We look ahead to him returning to the NFL taking part in subject as quickly as attainable,” Gallaway stated.
The Washington Commanders launched McManus days after the lawsuit was filed in Could.
The ladies had been working as flight attendants on Jacksonville’s constitution flight to London final September and accused McManus of making an attempt to kiss one in all them and grinding and rubbing up towards each of them whereas they had been making an attempt to work. They’re looking for in extra of $1 million in damages.
The swimsuit claimed the journey “rapidly was a celebration” as McManus and different gamers disregarded the flight attendants’ private house, air journey security and federal legislation. The ladies stated McManus handed out $100 payments to inspired them and different flight attendants to drink and dance inappropriately.