Security Guard Sues WWE and Montez Ford Over Alleged Sexualized Lap Dance on Raw
Noel Lucas, a Cook County Sheriff’s officer working off-duty security, filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, against WWE, Montez Ford (legal name Kenneth Crawford), and Event Services, LLC, alleging that Ford performed an unwanted sexualized lap dance on him during the July 6 episode of Monday Night Raw.
The July 6 Raw Incident at Allstate Arena
The incident occurred during the live Netflix broadcast from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. The Street Profits entered that night as World Tag Team Champions, eventually losing the titles to The Vision’s Austin Theory and Bron Breakker following a betrayal by Maxxine Dupri. Brandon Thurston first reported the filing of the lawsuit on Wednesday, October 14. According to the complaint, Lucas was stationed at ringside following instructions from a WWE employee.
The lawsuit details that as Ford approached, he began repeatedly thrusting and gyrating his hips and pelvis toward Lucas while performing a sexually provocative dance. Cagesideseats.com noted that during the broadcast, WWE commentator Corey Graves joked on air that the security guard clearly hated fun and encouraged Ford to try and make him crack. The complaint further alleges that Ford moved increasingly closer until his left inner thigh repeatedly rubbed against the guard’s leg.
Lucas Sues over Assault and Publicity Violations
The complaint outlines 14 counts against the defendants, including assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and violations of the Illinois Gender Violence Act. Lucas also claims the promotion and the wrestler violated the Illinois Right of Publicity Act by using his likeness commercially in the broadcast and subsequent clips.
Attorney Whitney Barr of Caffarelli & Martin Ltd. stated that Lucas works a second law enforcement job to better provide for his children. The lawsuit claims that the day after the broadcast, members of the public recognized Lucas at his courthouse job and mocked him by mimicking the sexual movements. Lucas states that his children were also mocked and ridiculed at school, leading to severe humiliation, embarrassment, and emotional distress.
Netflix Edits Episode as Lucas Seeks Damages
The version of the July 6 episode currently streaming on Netflix has been edited to cut away early in the Street Profits’ entrance, removing the interaction entirely, though the original clip remains active on other platforms. WWE did not immediately respond to POST Wrestling’s request for comment regarding the litigation.
Lucas is seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages, legal costs, and a court order prohibiting WWE and Crawford from using his identity. A case management hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for December 10.
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