In a bold and emotional demonstration for justice, activist and Billboard-charting artist Jeane Marie took a stand outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on April 21, 2025. As the Los Angeles Kings faced off against the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Marie spearheaded a powerful protest advocating for domestic violence survivors, calling for policy change and accountability in the National Hockey League (NHL).
The playoff buzz brought thousands of fans to the arena, but the atmosphere outside painted a starkly different picture. Amidst the excitement of the NHL playoffs, Jeane Marie and a group of advocates gathered with signs, speeches, and purpose. Their goal was clear: shine a spotlight on domestic violence in professional sports, particularly the NHL’s inaction on player misconduct.
This timely protest was more than a demonstration, it was a demand for transparency, justice, and reform within professional hockey. The rally’s location was no accident; it was a strategic move to confront an industry that continues to sidestep critical issues.
The Catalyst: Milan Lucic Case Still Fresh
This protest comes nearly a year after Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic faced, and saw dropped, domestic violence charges. His wife, Brittany Lucic, declined to testify after an alleged assault incident in November 2023. The absence of any league-level consequences or public accountability sparked outrage among survivors and activists alike.
Despite being a league of global stature, the NHL currently has no standardized policy addressing domestic violence allegations. This gaping void in institutional responsibility has left many survivors feeling ignored and retraumatized.
“We’re Not Here to Protect Reputations — We’re Here to Protect Survivors”
Speaking directly to The Mirror US, Jeane Marie expressed her frustration:
“The NHL has no policy, no accountability, and no excuse. We’re not here to protect reputations — we’re here to protect survivors.”
Her message resonated deeply with the crowd, drawing attention not only to the league’s shortcomings but also to the broader issue of gender-based violence in sports. From social media influencers to fellow activists, many stood beside her in solidarity, including actor and activist Tyler Sebago, who emphasized how other major American sports leagues have clear domestic violence policies, a standard the NHL must follow.
Rallying for Change in NHL Policies
The protest wasn’t just symbolic, it was a public reckoning. Organizers declared that the rally aimed to hold the NHL accountable and push for immediate reform.
“This is not just a demonstration; it’s a public reckoning,” said one organizer, urging the NHL to implement clear disciplinary guidelines for players accused or convicted of domestic violence.
As banners flew and voices rose, Marie stood shoulder-to-shoulder with social media personality Hari Tahov, both passionately advocating for change. They directly called on the L.A. Kings and the NHL to enforce stronger player conduct policies and show survivors that their voices matter.
Domestic Violence and the Lack of Accountability in Sports
Jeane’s protest highlights a persistent issue in professional sports: domestic abuse is often swept under the rug. Teams prioritize public image and player performance over real accountability, leaving survivors without justice and perpetrators without consequences.
“There are so many athletes who beat their wives and girlfriends, and it always gets swept under the rug,” Jeane said in a powerful on-site interview. “The NHL is not taking accountability for implementing policies to stop it from happening.”
With signs crossing out NHL players’ faces and chants echoing through the arena’s perimeter, the visual and emotional impact of the rally was undeniable.
Taking Action Beyond the Arena
This movement isn’t ending with one rally. Jeane Marie is taking the campaign further by launching a petition to demand formal policy changes from the NHL. Her goal is not only to protect spouses and partners of athletes but to give strength to survivors of domestic violence everywhere, especially those who remain unheard.
“We urge the NHL, we urge the L.A. Kings, to please enforce rules and guidelines and make a change today,” she told Ruthless Media during the event.
A Growing Movement for Survivor Justice
As Jeane Marie continues her advocacy, the rally at Crypto.com Arena serves as a stark reminder of the work yet to be done. In an era where fans and brands demand ethics and accountability, the NHL can no longer afford to stay silent.
This isn’t just about one sport, one team, or one player — it’s about dismantling a culture of silence and protecting those most vulnerable. Through her platform, Marie is doing more than making music, she’s making a movement.
