TKO issued a statement to address the latest allegations against Vince McMahon.
On January 25th, Wall Street Journal reported that former WWE employee Janel Grant had filed a new lawsuit against Vince McMahon. The lawsuit contains horrifying allegations and graphic descriptions of sexual assault, emotional abuse, and sex trafficking at the hands of McMahon and former Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis.
The suit is seeking to void a previous NDA and for financial damages, which the amount is unspecified. This is the latest in allegations about Vince McMahon that began back in 2022 when it was reported that the WWE Chairman paid $12 million in hush money to four women. McMahon would retire from the company amidst the allegations in July 2022 before returning in early 2023.
Since the merger between UFC and WWE under parent company Endeavor became official, McMahon has served as Executive Chairman of the Board of the newly-formed TKO Group Holdings, Inc. Naturally, many wonder what this latest lawsuit will mean for McMahon’s position as an executive of the company.
As reported by Variety, a TKO spokesperson issued the following statement:
“Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE. While this matter predates our TKO executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.”
Janel Grant’s Attorney Also Issued A Statement Regarding Vince McMahon Allegations
Variety also published a statement from Janel Grant’s attorney Ann Callis, who said:
“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. She is an incredibly private and courageous person who has suffered deeply at the hands of Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis.
Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized. The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahon’s history of depraved behavior, and it’s time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.”
John Laurinaitis was released from WWE in 2022 amidst an investigation into alleged misconduct. Former WWE star Rene Dupree claimed the allegations published against Laurinaitis were just the “tip of the iceberg.”
Recently Vince McMahon’s team also issued a statement regarding these allegations.
In an update, Vince McMahon has now resigned from all duties with TKO and WWE.