NY Rangers Superfan 'Dancing Larry' Accused of Inappropriate Touching in Workplace Lawsuit
A diehard New York Rangers fan celebrated for his energetic dance routines during home games is now at the centre of a serious workplace harassment lawsuit. Larry Goodman, widely known as 'Dancing Larry,' faces allegations of groping and inappropriate physical contact with Madison Square Garden staff members, according to legal documents obtained exclusively by The Independent.
Allegations of Persistent Unwanted Contact
The lawsuit, filed in New York County Supreme Court by former Blue Crew member Miranda Tyson, describes a pattern of "pervasive and severe" harassment by the fan favourite. Tyson, who joined the Rangers' entertainment squad in September 2021 after a competitive audition process, claims Dancing Larry regularly touched Blue Crew members without consent during his appearances.
According to the complaint, the alleged misconduct included pawing at staffers' heads, necks, arms, shoulders and backs, with some reports of "even more egregious conduct" such as attempting to spit into people's mouths. The lawsuit states that Goodman would allegedly try to lace his fingers with staffers during routine high-fives, crossing professional boundaries repeatedly.
Systemic Problem Ignored by Management
Tyson's legal filing contends that Dancing Larry's behaviour was "an open secret among Blue Crew staff" but that Madison Square Garden and Rangers management failed to address the issue adequately. Despite the fan's popularity since his debut in 1996, when he began dancing to "Strike It Up" by Black Box during third periods, staff members reportedly felt unable to confront him due to his status with leadership and supporters.
"Every time we return from 'Dancing Larry,' more than one person assigned to it laments an unwanted interaction," Tyson wrote in an email to their supervisor, according to the complaint. The former employee emphasized they were not seeking personal reassignment but rather systemic change, stating that removing them would simply place another victim in their position.
Retaliation Claims Following Complaints
The lawsuit outlines a troubling sequence of events after Tyson made formal complaints about the alleged harassment. Initially, management reportedly spoke with Dancing Larry about limiting interactions to fist bumps and standard high-fives. However, Tyson claims the fan soon resumed inappropriate conduct, allegedly placing his "full palm on the small of [their] back" during a routine.
Following subsequent reports to human resources, Tyson was barred from participating in Dancing Larry segments before ultimately being terminated in August 2025. The complaint asserts this constituted unlawful retaliation for engaging in protected activity under New York State and City human rights laws.
Legal Action and Damages Sought
Attorney Bhavleen Sabharwal, representing Tyson, has filed for compensatory damages covering lost wages, employment benefits and future earning capacity. The lawsuit also seeks punitive damages against Madison Square Garden and the Rangers organization for what it describes as "malicious, willful, wanton and reckless conduct" in handling the harassment allegations.
Neither Madison Square Garden officials nor Rangers representatives responded to requests for comment on Tuesday. Dancing Larry, who resides in New Jersey and is not named as a defendant in the suit, could not be reached for comment. The case continues to develop as it proceeds through New York's legal system.
