A bombshell lawsuit came out from former WWE employee Janel Grant. The court documents contain a range of sexual assault allegations asserted by the individual. The distressing nature of the lawsuit has resulted in Vince McMahon completely severing ties with the company. Now, he has spoken on the matter, and while McMahon is now acknowledging wrongdoing, he is stepping away completely from the company he led for decades.
Vince McMahon Breaks His Silence
Deadline reported that Vince McMahon has resigned from WWE after those horrific allegations in Janel Grant's lawsuit. Now, we have an official word from Mr. McMahon on the matter.
“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,” McMahon said to the outlet in response to the jaw-dropping lawsuit that was filed this week. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name.”
“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,” the former Chairman of the Board added.
Vince McMahon's Previous Response
Vince already responded to these allegations, as his camp issued a statement of denial. In a statement released to Deadline, it was said that the allegations are full of lies, and Mr. McMahon will defend himself.
This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself.
Vince McMahon Was Already a Risk
TKO Group Holdings had already named Vince McMahon as a risk factor. TKO gave its 2023 third-quarter financial results. In an SEC filing, McMahon, who serves as TKO's Executive Chairman, was listed under the 'Risk Factor' section. The description underneath McMahon's name said that the hush-money scandal of 2022 could prove detrimental to the company.
The special committee of independent members of WWE’s Board of Directors’ investigation into allegations of misconduct by Mr. McMahon, and any further allegations and investigations may have an adverse financial and operational impact on our business performance.
The Lawsuit Allegations
Janel Grant brought forth allegations of sexual assault, and they were quite horrific. Text messages also revealed how McMahon spoke to her, in his alleged unfiltered desires. TKO Group Holdings said that hey planned to take action as a result.
Although he was not named in the lawsuit, Brock Lesnar is believed to be involved as well. A former UFC Heavyweight Champion who was in the midst of a WWE contract negotiation in 2021 was mentioned. It was alleged that Vince set up Ms. Grant to be part of this unnamed Superstar's contract in the form of sexual relations.
WWE Superstars were reportedly told to lay low regarding questions about McMahon's allegations as they do press commitments to promote the Royal Rumble event. This is certainly a huge story, and we will have more updates as they are made available.