In the professional wrestling world, Vince McMahon stands tall as an influential figure, probably revered by some and criticized by others. Famous for his larger-than-life personality and visionary leadership, he has shaped the WWE business into a global phenomenon. However, on January 25, 2024, Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, which might portend some challenging times for him.
Following a meeting with McMahon in 2019 and an offer of employment during a vulnerable period, Grant narrated what she believed to be a disturbing series of events, including alleged s*xual abuse, assault, and trafficking. This legal trouble threatens to expose a side of the organization that many may never have imagined. Could this lawsuit turn into the key to unlocking Pandora’s box of secrets regarding former and current WWE leaders that will forever change the company’s reputation?
Vince McMahon Faces A Legal Firestorm Over a S*xual Abuse Lawsuit
Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit against the company’s founder, Vince McMahon, claiming that he had s*xually harassed and mistreated her during his tenure as CEO. The lawsuit further claimed that McMahon had trafficked the former employee to other men “as a pawn to secure talent deals” with potential wrestlers the company was hiring (via Variety).
Grant made these allegations last Thursday, saying that McMahon had forced her into a s*xual relationship and had s*xually trafficked and assaulted her multiple times between 2020 and 2021 with the help of WWE executive John Laurinaitis and a WWE wrestler who had also previously competed in the UFC.
According to the lawsuit, McMahon, Laurinaitis, and WWE violated the Trafficking Victims Prevention Act. Additionally, Grant claimed she was subjected to years of s*xual and emotional abuse while working for WWE. In a statement, a representative for TKO Group Holdings—the company that owns both WWE and the UFC—said (per Variety):
“Mr. McMahon does not oversee or control TKO or 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.”
The lawsuit was submitted two days after TKO signed a $500 million annual 10-year contract with Netflix for WWE’s Monday Night Raw.
The Ripple Effect: More WWE Leaders and Former Leaders May Be Exposed by This Lawsuit?
The WWE Universe is arguably the most valuable asset of the company. As loyal viewers invest their time as well as their money in the wrestling community, they have a right to know the facts about what goes on behind the scenes of their favorite entertainment source. The WWE may undergo long-overdue reforms that put inclusivity, diversity, and a healthy work environment for all employees front and center as a result of Janel Grant’s lawsuit.
Put simply, this lawsuit increases the likelihood of additional WWE leaders and former leaders coming under investigation. Here are some comments from fans:
This is a long time coming, vince has done horrendous things and its insane its been kept this contained for years
— Oba Femi Stan Account (@NotTrendel1) January 29, 2024
Alot of skeletons are about to be exposed and popping out of the closet soon
— Some Guy Named Saito (斉藤) (@evilprimate) January 29, 2024
As it should. Expose all who have been involved and clean house if needed. Don't need that shit around the business
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) January 29, 2024
Yup. If there was any involvement or knowledge from any of them, good riddance. I enjoy how Hunter is booking the product right now but if he gets exposed in this lawsuit, then get him outta there
— Cory (@Cory_Hays407) January 29, 2024
You’re gonna see the exit of a lot of good people that were basically backed into a corner by the ring leader (Vince) out of fear of losing their job
— BraBra🦕 (@BraBraBack) January 29, 2024
According to CNN Business, McMahon left his position as executive chairman of TKO, the parent company of the WWE, after being accused of s*xual assault and human trafficking. In September, TKO filed its most recent quarterly regulatory filing with the SEC, noting that McMahon’s board position
“Could have adverse financial and operational impacts on our business. Mr. McMahon’s membership on our board could expose us to negative publicity and/or have other adverse financial and operational impacts on our business. His membership also may result in additional scrutiny.”
The ongoing legal battle between Vince McMahon and Janel Grant marks a sea change for the WWE. This lawsuit could be a wake-up call for the wrestling industry, which might force the industry to face its most fundamental weaknesses. Maybe this crisis will lead to a change in WWE culture, creating a place where fans, staff, and wrestlers can be proud to be a part of a community that is more accepting and courteous of one another.
Only time will tell what the future holds for a company that has dominated the wrestling industry for decades.
