Former WWE Employee Files Lawsuit Alleging Serious Sexual Misconduct Against Vince McMahon
In a shocking development, a former WWE employee, Janel Grant, has filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday accusing wrestling executive Vince McMahon and another former executive of grave sexual misconduct. The 67-page lawsuit details disturbing allegations, including claims that McMahon forced her into a sexual relationship for job opportunities, passed explicit content to other men, and even offered her to a star wrestler for sexual favors.
Janel Grant, who previously worked in the legal and talent departments of the WWE, filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, where the company is headquartered. McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amidst an investigation into allegations similar to those presented in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit also implicates the WWE and John Laurinaitis, the company’s former head of talent relations and general manager, as additional defendants. Grant’s representatives have made her identity public, expressing her hope that the lawsuit will prevent other women from falling victim to such misconduct.
Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, stated, “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.”
WWE’s parent company, TKO Group, issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations. “Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE,” TKO Group stated. “While this matter pre-dates 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 reveals that McMahon, living in the same building as Grant, allegedly offered her a job at WWE in 2019 after her parents passed away. It is claimed that McMahon explicitly made a physical relationship a requirement for the job, involving not only himself but also Laurinaitis and others.
Grant alleges that McMahon lavished her with gifts over the following years, including a luxury car. The lawsuit further claims that McMahon offered one of his star wrestlers the opportunity for a sexual encounter with Grant as a perk in 2021.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and aims to have the court void a $3 million nondisclosure agreement, of which Grant alleges she received only $1 million.
Vince McMahon, a prominent figure in the wrestling world for decades, served as the face of WWE. With WWE’s global expansion, McMahon’s influence extended beyond wrestling, culminating in the creation of TKO Group Holdings through a merger with Ultimate Fighting Championship last April. McMahon currently serves as the executive chairman of the board for TKO Group.