PLAINTIFF DANCER STATED CAUSES OF ACTION AGAINST DEFENDANT DANCER AND THEIR EMPLOYER, THE NEW YORK CITY BALLET (NYCB), IN CONNECTION WITH INTIMATE IMAGES ALLEGEDLY DISCLOSED BY THE DEFENDANT DANCER (FIRST DEPT).
The First Department, in a full-fledged opinion by Justice Singh, over an extensive dissenting opinion, determined plaintiff, Waterbury, stated causes of action for: (1) violation of the NYC Administrative Code provision which prohibits the disclosure of intimate images without consent; (2) intentional infliction of emotional distress; and (3) negligent hiring, supervision and retention. The plaintiff (Waterbury) was a dancer with the defendant New York City Ballet (NYCB). The defendant Finlay, who allegedly disclosed the images, was also a NYCB dancer. The negligent hiring cause of action is against NYCB as the defendant-dancer’s employer:
Waterbury’s allegations that images depict her engaged in sexual activity suffice (see Administrative Code § 10-180 [a] …). Construing the complaint liberally and according Waterbury “the benefit of every possible favorable inference” … , the allegations that Finlay shared images of her breasts are also sufficient (see Administrative Code § 10-180 [a] …). …
Waterbury also sufficiently alleges that Finlay intended to cause her economic, physical, or substantial emotional harm. “A result is intended if the act is done with the purpose of accomplishing such a result or with knowledge that to a substantial certainty such a result will ensue” … . …
Waterbury alleges that NYCB dancers and others affiliated with NYCB shared images and commentary regarding other women and that NYCB knew that Finlay and other dancers were degrading and exploiting young women. She asserts that NYCB implicitly encouraged this behavior. Waterbury states that NYCB knew of Finlay’s sexual conduct towards young women and took no steps to prevent such conduct. Waterbury v New York City Ballet, Inc., 2022 NY Slip Op 02890, First Dept 4-28-22
Practice Point: The NYC Administrative Code prohibits the disclosure of intimate images without consent. Here the complaint stated a cause of action based on an alleged violation of that code provision.
