Fan-Favorite 'Dancing Larry' Routine Leads to Lawsuit Against MSG Sports

Former employee alleges years of unwanted touching by longtime Knicks fan during in-game dance routine

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a hand firmly grabbing a dancer's arm, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the allegations of inappropriate touching in the lawsuit.A lawsuit alleges a beloved in-game dance routine at Madison Square Garden has been marred by years of unwanted physical contact from a fan.NYC Today

A former employee of MSG Sports and the New York Rangers, Miranda Tyson, is suing the organizations alleging years of unwanted physical contact from longtime fan Larry Goodman, known as 'Dancing Larry,' during an in-game dance routine. Tyson, whose father is astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, claims non-male staffers were repeatedly subjected to 'persistent and unwelcome physical contact' from Goodman, including being 'firmly touched and grabbed' on various body parts. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues that can arise when fan traditions and employee safety intersect in the sports and entertainment industry. It raises questions about the responsibility of teams and venues to protect workers from inappropriate behavior, even from beloved and high-profile fans.

The details

According to the lawsuit, during the third period of New York Rangers home games, Goodman, a longtime season-ticket holder, dances to rev up the crowd along with MSG employees called the Blue Crew. Tyson, who was first hired as a member of the Blue Crew in 2021, alleges Goodman would 'firmly touch and grab' fellow dancers' 'heads, necks, shoulders, backs, arms, and hands,' and even spit into others' mouths. Tyson claims complaints about Goodman's behavior were not taken seriously enough by MSG management.

  • Tyson was first hired as a member of the Blue Crew in 2021.
  • Tyson was not rehired for the current season.

The players

Miranda Tyson

A former employee of MSG Sports and the New York Rangers who is suing the organizations for workplace discrimination.

Larry Goodman

A longtime New York Knicks fan known as 'Dancing Larry' who performs a popular in-game dance routine but is accused of inappropriately touching fellow dancers.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

An astrophysicist and the father of Miranda Tyson.

MSG Sports

The organization that owns and operates Madison Square Garden and the New York Rangers.

New York Rangers

The professional ice hockey team that plays its home games at Madison Square Garden.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Every time we return from 'Dancing Larry,' more than one person assigned to it laments an unwanted interaction.”

— Miranda Tyson, Former Blue Crew member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for sports and entertainment venues to have clear policies and procedures in place to protect employees from inappropriate fan behavior, even when the fan is a beloved tradition. It also raises questions about the responsibility of teams to monitor and address complaints about such incidents in a timely and effective manner.