WWE has a long history of controversies, many of which have received a spotlight this year thanks to Netflix\'s Mr. McMahon docuseries. Now, a new lawsuit has been filed against both Vince and Linda McMahon over the Ring Boy scandal of the early 1990s.
Law firms DiCello Levitt and Murphy, Falcon & Murphy have initiated a lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Vincent K. McMahon, Linda McMahon, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. The lawsuit is being brought on behalf of five survivors of sexual abuse, identified as John Does 1-5, who allege they were subjected to systemic abuse while working as “Ring Boys” for WWE during their youth.
The lawsuit centers on allegations against WWE’s former ringside announcer and ring crew chief, Melvin Phillips Jr. According to the plaintiffs, Phillips exploited and sexually abused underage boys who had been hired to perform tasks during WWE events. The abuse allegedly occurred in various locations, including wrestling venues and hotel rooms, where Phillips would transport the boys under the pretense of work-related errands. The lawsuit claims that WWE management, including Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon, were aware of this abuse but took no action to stop it.
The survivors, now adults, have only recently become aware of how much WWE executives, including the McMahons, knew of the abuse, the lawsuit states. The filing suggests that recent corporate changes, including the WWE’s acquisition by TKO Group Holdings and Vince McMahon’s departure as CEO, have empowered these survivors to come forward without fear of retaliation. Additionally, changes in sex abuse laws, particularly in Maryland, have paved the way for this legal action.
Greg Gutzler, a partner at DiCello Levitt and lead attorney for the plaintiffs, stated:
Thanks to the bravery of our clients, we now have a chance to hold accountable those who allowed and enabled the rampant sexual abuse of these young boys. That so many knew about the abuse and did nothing to prevent or stop it is simply unconscionable.
Mark DiCello, founding partner of DiCello Levitt, emphasized the significance of this case, stating:
“The WWE and McMahon had a responsibility to these underaged boys, and they failed them in the worst way possible. We will vigorously fight to uncover the truth about this systemic, insidious, and life-altering abuse. We commend our clients for their bravery in coming forward and promise to relentlessly seek justice for them.”
Professor Marci Hamilton, founder and CEO of CHILD USA, a nonprofit advocating for children’s rights, praised the survivors for coming forward:
\"These survivors are profiles in courage. One-third of child sex abuse victims never come forward, silenced by shame, humiliation, and trauma.\
Hamilton stressed on the importance of statute of limitations reform, pointing out that “due to the Maryland window we fought for, these brave survivors can now seek justice.”
DiCello Levitt has a history of representing survivors in high-profile abuse cases, including the civil suit against disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard. This is a developing story and we seek to provide updates as and when they are available.
