MIAMI, FL – Vince McMahon, the executive chairman and board member of TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of WWE, has resigned following allegations of sex trafficking and sexual misconduct made by a former employee. Janel Grant, a former employee at WWE headquarters, filed a lawsuit against McMahon, WWE, and the company’s former head of talent relations, John Laurinaitis. The lawsuit alleges that McMahon coerced Grant into a forced sexual relationship, sharing private photos and videos, and engaging in sexual relations with other WWE staff members. Please note that this article contains descriptions of sexual abuse that may be offensive to some readers or painful for survivors of sexual assault.
According to court documents, the lawsuit claims that McMahon subjected Grant to extreme cruelty and degradation, causing her to disassociate and become numb to reality. Grant alleges that McMahon wanted to ensure her silence by having her sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and paying her for it. While they agreed on a payment of $3 million for signing the agreement, Grant states that she only received $1 million and did not receive the rest of the agreed amount.
The lawsuit seeks to declare the NDA invalid under state and federal law, alleging that McMahon breached the agreement and participated in sex trafficking. Grant claims that she will require lifelong treatment due to the pain and suffering caused by McMahon. McMahon has denied the allegations, stating that the lawsuit is filled with lies and a distortion of the truth.
McMahon, who also served as the executive chairman of TKO Group Holdings, appeared publicly with the company earlier this week. The news of his resignation comes as “Smackdown” took place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, with no mention of McMahon during the live broadcast. WWE is set to hold its annual Royal Rumble event at Tropicana Field on Saturday.
It is important to note that the allegations against McMahon are graphic and may be distressing for some individuals.