Off-duty sheriff sues WWE star over alleged ‘sexualized lap dance’ while he was working security at event in Chicago

An Illinois sheriff’s deputy who did off-duty security work at a WWE event has sued the wrestling promotion and one of its stars after having a ‘sexualized lap dance’ performed on him during the ‘Monday Night Raw’ show.

The Daily Mail has obtained a copy of the lawsuit filed on behalf of Noel Lucas against World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Event Services, LLC, and Kenneth Crawford, who performs as Montez Ford. The filing claims Lucas has suffered and continues to suffer ‘substantial humiliation, embarrassment, and emotional distress.’

As seen in viral footage from Netflix’s July 6 live stream, off-duty Cook County Sheriff’s Department officer Noel Lucas was seated ringside at Allstate Arena in Rosemont when he was approached by Crawford.

‘Defendant Crawford then began performing a sexually provocative dance immediately in front of and over Plaintiff [Lucas], repeatedly thrusting and gyrating his hips and pelvis towards Plaintiff, performing a sexualized ‘lap dance,’ read the lawsuit.

Lucas claims Crawford’s left inner thigh was ‘repeatedly’ rubbing up against his leg during the impromptu dance.

The lawsuit goes on to accuse defendants of violating the Illinois Gender Violence Act, which allows survivors to sue individual perpetrators, anyone who engages in the acts and, in some cases, employers. Lucas alleges 14 total counts in his lawsuit, including assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress against Crawford, as well as vicarious liability against the WWE and Event Services, LLC. 

Footage of Crawford’s dance appears to have been edited out of Netflix’s July 6 Monday Night Raw episode.

Lucas, who typically works at a local courthouse, claims he faced fallout over the incident when he returned to his full-time job.

‘Members of the public recognized him from the videos of the encounter that had circulated on social media and mocked him, thrusting their hips in his direction, imitating the sexual movements [allegedly performed during the broadcast],’ the lawsuit stated.

As a result, Lucas said his children were ‘mocked and ridiculed’ at school over the viral moment, while he has suffered ‘humiliation, embarrassment and emotional distress.’

Lucas additionally accuses the WWE and Crawford of using his image for commercial purposes without his permission. He is seeking unspecified monetary and punitive damages, as well as legal fees.

The first hearing in the case is currently scheduled for December 10.

The Daily Mail has sought comment from the WWE and co-defendant, Event Services, LLC.

Lucas’ attorney, Whitney Barr, has released a statement on the case.

‘Mr. Lucas was there to do his job, not to be made a part of WWE’s entertainment,’ Barr said. ‘He had been instructed to remain at his post, and while following those instructions, a WWE performer subjected him to unwanted sexualized physical contact in front of thousands of spectators and a nationwide audience.’

Crawford, a 36-year-old former marine, is one half of the WWE tag team, The Street Profits.