WWE chairman Vince McMahon is now at the center of a graphic lawsuit filed on Thursday by former employee Janel Grant. The lawsuit accuses McMahon of sexual assault, trafficking, and physical and emotional abuse, shedding light on a troubling history of alleged misconduct within the professional wrestling giant.
Grant’s lawsuit seeks to nullify a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) she claims to have signed with McMahon in 2022, under which she was promised a substantial $3 million settlement. However, according to Grant, only $1 million was paid, with McMahon allegedly failing to fulfill the remainder of the agreement. Janel Grant is not the first woman to receive a payout from McMahon, as several others have reportedly received settlements over the years.
The legal action, filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, doesn’t solely target McMahon. It also names WWE and John Laurinaitis, the former head of talent relations and general manager, as defendants. This development comes six months after federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on McMahon, part of an ongoing investigation into his payments to multiple women following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Last March, McMahon paid WWE a staggering $17.4 million to cover costs related to an internal investigation into these payouts. It’s worth noting that WWE merged with UFC last year, and both companies are now under the ownership of TKO Group Holdings, with McMahon serving as the executive chairman of the board.
Recently, TKO Group Holdings announced a monumental deal with Netflix, securing $5 billion over the next 10 years for the streaming rights to WWE’s flagship program “Raw” and all other WWE shows and specials outside the United States.
Janel Grant’s lawyer, Ann Callis, issued a statement expressing the intent of the lawsuit, saying, “Today’s complaint seeks to hold accountable two WWE executives who sexually assaulted and trafficked Plaintiff Janel Grant, as well as the organization that facilitated or turned a blind eye to the abuse and then swept it under the rug.”
Grant, described as an “incredibly private and courageous person,” hopes that her legal action will prevent other women from falling victim to similar abuses. Callis emphasized that it’s time for the organization to take responsibility for the alleged misconduct of its leadership.
As of now, representatives from WWE and TKO Group have not responded to requests for comments regarding the lawsuit.
According to the complaint, McMahon allegedly befriended Grant in 2019 after learning about her parents’ death, eventually pressuring her into a sexual relationship. The lawsuit claims McMahon used his powerful position within WWE to coerce Grant into complying with his sexual demands.
The suit also reveals disturbing details about McMahon’s alleged actions, including recruiting individuals for sexual encounters with Grant, directing her to engage in sexual activity with Laurinaitis, and expecting such activities even during working hours at the WWE headquarters.
The complaint paints a picture of extreme cruelty and degradation, causing Grant to become, in her words, “numb to reality to survive the horrific encounters.”
In January 2022, McMahon allegedly severed ties with Grant, claiming that his wife, Linda McMahon, had discovered their relationship. Alongside seeking to void the NDA, Grant’s lawsuit also accuses McMahon of violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, negligence, intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, and civil battery.
This lawsuit adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding powerful figures in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and a thorough examination of workplace practices. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for WWE and its leadership.
THREAD 1/2 (TW):
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 25, 2024
Screenshots of Vince McMahon’s messages from the new sex trafficking lawsuit: pic.twitter.com/pqx78GHSwU
