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MSG’s so-called “talent” database is part of a larger data leak published last month by ShinyHunters, a criminal hacker collective, as first reported by 404 Media. But the extent of the labeling and the rationale for MSG to do so haven’t been previously revealed.

wrd.cmMadison Square Garden Kept a List of Gay CelebritiesAn MSG database tracked and categorized hundreds of celebs, famous Knicks superfans, and even some of Taylor Swift’s wedding guests. Labels included “LGBTQIA,” “DO NOT HOST,” and low to high “risk.”

Of the 39,539 talent database entries, about 400 are given a risk score. Some, like hip-hop producer Pete Rock, are marked “DO NOT HOST.” And 93 entries, including Ricky Martin and Phoebe Bridgers, are labeled “LGBTQIA.”

wrd.cmMadison Square Garden Kept a List of Gay CelebritiesAn MSG database tracked and categorized hundreds of celebs, famous Knicks superfans, and even some of Taylor Swift’s wedding guests. Labels included “LGBTQIA,” “DO NOT HOST,” and low to high “risk.”

An insider tells WIRED that MSG security has performed social media sweeps for prominent people looking for complimentary tickets to games. They say if you’re marked with a risk score it means “you’ve done something [...] that has caught the attention of the wrong people.”

wrd.cmMadison Square Garden Kept a List of Gay CelebritiesAn MSG database tracked and categorized hundreds of celebs, famous Knicks superfans, and even some of Taylor Swift’s wedding guests. Labels included “LGBTQIA,” “DO NOT HOST,” and low to high “risk.”

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A class-action lawsuit filed against MSG claims that this private data leak was a byproduct of owner Jim Dolan’s growing surveillance operations. Recently, WIRED went deep into the panopticon allegedly tracking lawyers, critics, and a trans woman.

wired.comThe Shocking Secrets of Madison Square Garden’s Surveillance MachineFamously vengeful Knicks owner Jim Dolan has long spied on people at his iconic arenas. WIRED goes deep inside the operation that allegedly tracked a trans woman, lawyers, protesters, and more.

In May this year, WIRED reported that attorney John Scola was banned from MSG venues, joining a growing MSG legal blacklist. He was representing a police officer suing over injuries he allegedly sustained during a private security gig at MSG.

wired.comA New York Cop Got Injured at a Boxing Match. Now Madison Square Garden Is Banning His LawyerAttorney John Scola is representing a police officer who is suing over injuries allegedly sustained while working security at an MSG property in 2025.

The ShinyHunters collective released 45 GB worth of data. The hack prompted criticism of MSG security operations, specifically the collection of personal information. wrd.cm/4gxFsNh