On August 14, 2018, Justice Eileen Rakower of the New York County Supreme Court, granted an unopposed motion filed 14 plaintiff's who are suing Beth Israel Medical Center and neurologist, Richard Cruciani, M.D. for emotional injuries due to claims of medical malpractice, sexual assault and battery. In order to be allowed anonymity "there must be a showing that the privacy interest involved is substantial, so as to overcome the presumption of openness that attends judicial proceedings." Given the highly personal nature of the claims made, Justice Rakower recognized that revealing the plaintiffs' identities would put them at risk of "harassment, ridicule and personal embarrassment." Doe v Beth Israel Medical Center, 2018 WL 3859691

It was reported in the New York Post sometime ago, that many female patient's of Dr. Cruciani claimed they were coerced into sexual activity with him while seeking treatment for a painful nerve condition. Dr Cruciani was prosecuted on felony charges in Philadelphia where he entered into a plea bargain and got 7 years probation. He surrendered his license to practice medicine in New York on March 1, 2018.