Not long ago, WWE’s Executive Chairman Vince McMahon faced a serious scandal that nearly forced him out of the wrestling world. Now, things have taken another dramatic turn with new accusations that involve McMahon, WWE, and its parent company, TKO.
According to a shocking report from the Wall Street Journal, a lawsuit has been filed against McMahon alleging emotional abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. The suit also names John Laurinaitis, WWE’s former Head of Talent Relations.
The lawsuit comes from Janel Grant, a former WWE employee. Grant claims that McMahon made promises about advancing her career but instead exploited and trafficked her within the company. In 2022, Grant signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and received $3 million to keep quiet about their relationship. She alleges that payments stopped after $1 million, leading her to seek to invalidate the NDA. Reports suggest that the NDA might not be enforceable under state and federal laws, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, stated, “Today’s complaint aims to hold accountable two WWE executives who sexually assaulted and trafficked Plaintiff Janel Grant, as well as the organization that either facilitated the abuse or turned a blind eye to it. Ms. Grant is a private and brave individual who has suffered greatly at the hands of Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis. She hopes this lawsuit will help prevent other women from facing similar victimization. It’s time for WWE to address and take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership, which has been long known.”
This lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of McMahon and WWE, raising serious questions about how the company handles allegations of abuse and misconduct.
Vince McMahon resigns from WWE, TKO
Just a day after the shocking allegations against Vince McMahon, WWE’s Chief Executive Officer Nick Khan announced that McMahon has resigned from his roles at both WWE and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings. This decision was effective immediately.
In a letter shared by Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, Khan informed WWE employees of McMahon’s resignation, stating, “I wanted to inform you that Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as TKO Executive Chairman and on the TKO Board of Directors. He will no longer have a role with TKO Group Holdings or WWE.”
The fallout from these allegations has been swift. On January 26, Slim Jim, a major WWE sponsor, suspended its partnership with the company due to the “disturbing allegations” against McMahon.
McMahon responded publicly, maintaining his innocence. He described the lawsuit as filled with falsehoods and distortions, stating, “I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth. I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”
McMahon also expressed his decision to step down as a gesture of respect for WWE and its stakeholders, saying, “However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners, and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately.”
Following McMahon’s departure, reports suggest that Endeavor, which owns TKO, might be cleaning house to start fresh. McMahon is also no longer the majority shareholder, which means he cannot return to his previous role.
For the first time in decades, WWE will operate without a McMahon at the helm, marking a significant shift for the company, which has been under McMahon’s influence since the 1950s.
What are the allegations against Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis?
The lawsuit against McMahon and former WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis includes serious and graphic accusations. It alleges that both men sexually assaulted Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, in June 2021. The suit also claims McMahon used sex toys and shared explicit photos and videos of Grant with others, and sent her demeaning messages. One message reportedly involved instructing Grant to provide sexual content for a talent he wanted to re-sign, identified only as a WWE talent and UFC fighter.
From 2019 to 2022, McMahon allegedly gave Grant gifts to maintain control over her, including event tickets, gift cards, medical care, and other expenses, some of which were billed to WWE. Grant claims McMahon distanced himself after his wife, Linda McMahon, learned of their alleged relationship.
This is not McMahon’s first legal trouble. In 2022, he was under investigation for allegedly paying hush money to cover up an affair. Reports later revealed McMahon had paid over $12 million over 16 years to silence claims of sexual misconduct.
Does Vince McMahon still own WWE?
McMahon’s involvement with WWE has changed dramatically over the years. After stepping down as CEO and paying $17.4 million to cover investigation costs, McMahon retired. In January 2023, he returned as executive chairman during WWE’s sale discussions. WWE was eventually sold to Endeavor Group, which led to the creation of TKO Group, with McMahon as executive chairman. However, McMahon sold significant shares of TKO, ending his direct involvement with the company
.
WWE and TKO’s Response
WWE has stated that McMahon no longer controls the company or its daily operations. The statement emphasized that the organization is taking Grant’s allegations seriously and is addressing the matter internally.
Vince McMahon’s Net Worth and Career Earnings
Vince McMahon’s net worth is estimated at $3.2 billion, up from $1.7 billion in 2020. He first became a billionaire in 1999 following WWE’s stock market debut. His recent deal with WWE provided him with an annual salary of around $1.2 million. In comparison, UFC’s Dana White is worth $500 million with a $20 million salary, and Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn has a net worth of about $50 million.
Who is John Laurinaitis?
John Laurinaitis, the brother of the late Road Warrior Animal, had a notable career in professional wrestling before becoming WWE’s Head of Talent Relations. After retiring as a wrestler in 2000, Laurinaitis worked as a road agent and held several executive roles in WWE. He was briefly an on-screen authority figure and returned to talent relations in 2021 before being removed following the misconduct allegations.
Laurinaitis is married to Kathy Colace, the mother of The Bella Twins, Nikki and Brie. Nikki is married to dancer Artem Chigvintsev, and Brie is married to wrestler Bryan Danielson, who now competes in AEW.