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New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports (MSG) have reached a financial settlement with a former team employee who accused Panarin of sexual assault.
The alleged incident took place during a Rangers road trip in December 2023. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, claimed that Panarin took her phone during a postgame gathering and demanded she come to his hotel room to retrieve it. Once there, she alleged Panarin pinned her to the bed before she managed to push him off, retrieve her phone, and leave the room.
The settlement, finalized in August 2024, included non-disclosure and no ission of wrongdoing clauses. Following the agreement, the woman departed from her position with the team. Both Panarin and MSG have stated that the matter has been resolved, with MSG's spokesperson confirming the closure of the issue.
Investigation and team response
In response to the allegations, the Rangers initiated an independent investigation led by an external law firm. The NHL was fully apprised of the proceedings, and the league considers the matter closed. Neither the Rangers nor the NHL have disclosed whether Panarin faced any disciplinary actions as a result of the investigation.
Notably, Panarin has faced previous allegations. In 2021, he took a leave of absence from the team following accusations from his former KHL coach, Andrei Nazarov, who claimed Panarin was involved in a physical altercation with an 18-year-old woman in Latvia in 2011.
The Rangers dismissed these allegations as a politically motivated smear campaign, emphasizing Panarin's outspoken criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite these controversies, Panarin continues to be a key player for the Rangers. In April 2025, he was named the team's Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season, underscoring his significant role on the ice.
While the legal aspects of the recent settlement have been resolved, the situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace conduct and the handling of such allegations within professional sports organizations.