Madison Square Garden Used Facial Recognition to Harass Trans Woman for Two Years, Investigation Finds

In privately-owned venues across the U.S., AI-powered cameras track patrons in casinos, concert halls, and sports arenas. While data collection is common, the consequences are rarely personal—until now.

According to a Wired investigation, Madison Square Garden (MSG) owner James Dolan allegedly weaponized the venue’s facial recognition system to target critics and critics, including a trans woman identified as Nina Richards (a pseudonym). The harassment lasted two years before Richards was banned from the property.

MSG’s Surveillance Regime: A Two-Year Obsession

Richards became a regular attendee at New York Knicks games in 2021, sitting courtside in the lower bowl. MSG security chief John Eversole, who has led security since 2018, reportedly fixated on her.

Former staffers told Wired that Eversole ordered employees to compile detailed “work-ups” on Richards. Using MSG’s facial recognition cameras, security tracked her movements from ticket scan to bathroom trips to conversations with staff.

Despite no violations or threats, Richards was profiled “because of her gender identity,” according to an anonymous employee.

“She wasn’t taking pictures in restricted areas. She wasn’t trying to go places she shouldn’t be. This is just a very large transgender woman, being a fan, walking around.”

Fabricated Allegations and a Banned Fan

Former MSG security officer Donnie Ingrasselino filed a lawsuit alleging Eversole’s obsession led to Richards’ ban. Ingrasselino claimed Eversole feared broadcast cameras capturing an “openly” trans woman near the court could “damage MSG’s reputation.”

Richards was ultimately banned after Eversole allegedly fabricated a stalking allegation, according to Ingrasselino’s suit. The case highlights what critics call MSG’s endemic surveillance culture.