Madison Square Garden has come under scrutiny for maintaining an internal database that assigns risk scores to approximately 400 celebrities, including rapper Fat Joe, who is categorized as 'medium risk.' This revelation follows a significant data breach reported earlier this month, detailing how MSG evaluates its high-profile attendees based on their public comments and social media activity.
Risk Scores for Celebrities at Madison Square Garden
The internal database, which is part of a larger trove of documents leaked by the hacking group ShinyHunters, includes entries dating back to December 2020. It tracks celebrities from various fields, including entertainment and sports, with most entries remaining unscored. However, about 400 individuals, such as Edie Falco and Tracy Morgan, have been assigned risk scores.
According to WIRED, the risk scoring system is used by MSG security to monitor public sentiment towards owner Jim Dolan. A source familiar with the matter stated, "If you’re a celebrity and you’re marked with a risk score—even as a low risk—it means you’ve done something in the publicity world that has caught the attention of the wrong people."
How Madison Square Garden Monitors Public Perception
MSG's security team reportedly conducts social media sweeps to identify potential threats or criticisms directed at the organization. This proactive approach means that even mild criticisms, such as a negative tweet about entry experiences, can lead to a risk designation. For example, Fat Joe's connection to Jadakiss, who has previously criticized Dolan, contributed to his risk score.
