In a shocking development, former WWE employee Janel Grant has filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon. Founder of WWE and current executive chairman of TKO Group Holdings. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, accuses McMahon of sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation. John Laurinaitis, former head of talent relations at WWE, is also named in the lawsuit.
Grant’s legal action alleges violations of the Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, along with charges of negligence, civil battery, and emotional distress. She claims to have been a victim of sexual and emotional abuse during her tenure at WWE.
As of now, Vince McMahon and WWE have not issued any statements regarding the lawsuit. A spokesperson for TKO Holdings, the corporate entity overseeing UFC and WWE, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations. And stated that McMahon does not control TKO or oversee WWE’s day-to-day operations.
The lawsuit contends that Vince McMahon and Laurinaitis engaged in sexual assault and trafficking.
Exploiting Grant for their pleasure and using her as a “pawn” to secure talent deals with prospective wrestlers. Allegations include McMahon showering Grant with gifts and promises of work promotions. Engaging in a “relationship” with her, and using intimidation to coerce her into complying with his alleged sexual demands.
The lawsuit details specific incidents, including an alleged sexual assault in a WWE conference room and an incident where Vince McMahon is accused of defecating on Grant during a threesome. Vince McMahon faces accusations of sharing explicit photos and videos of Grant with other WWE employees, including executives and a former UFC heavyweight champion.
After McMahon’s wife discovered the relationship, Grant alleges WWE pressured her to resign and forced her to sign an NDA with promises of support and protection. The lawsuit claims McMahon stopped making payments related to the NDA and accused Grant of leaking information to the press.
Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, stated that the lawsuit aims to hold accountable the executives involved and the organization that either facilitated or turned a blind eye to the abuse. The legal action comes amid a recent 10-year, $5 billion deal between TKO. And Netflix to move WWE Raw, a major flagship show, starting in 2025.
This lawsuit comes after McMahon’s previous controversies and a Federal grand jury subpoena regarding sexual misconduct allegations, with no filed charges. McMahon remains in his role as executive chairman despite selling a significant portion of his personal stock in TKO.
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