Vince McMahon, former Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and a board member of TKO Group Holdings, Inc., is under federal investigation following allegations of sexual misconduct and sex trafficking. These accusations surfaced after a lawsuit was filed in January, stemming from a Wall Street Journal article in June 2022.
Vince McMahon
The initial allegations arose from reports that Vince McMahon had engaged in a sexual relationship with a former paralegal, leading to a $3 million non-disclosure agreement (NDA). As a result of the negative publicity, McMahon stepped down as chairman and announced his retirement via Twitter in July 2022, citing his age as a factor.
However, Vince McMahon retirement was short-lived, as he expressed interest in rejoining the board of directors in January 2023 to facilitate a sale of the company. Despite opposition from existing board members, McMahon, as the majority shareholder, was able to appoint himself back to the board, regaining significant voting power.
In April 2023, WWE announced its sale to Endevor, the parent company of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), forming TKO Group Holdings. McMahon assumed the role of executive chairman within the new entity.
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The sexual assault allegations resurfaced when Janel Grant, the former paralegal, filed a federal lawsuit against McMahon, former WWE executive John Laurinaitis, and WWE itself. Grant seeks to invalidate her NDA with McMahon under new legislation, including the Speak Out Act.
The lawsuit alleges disturbing details, including claims of sex trafficking and graphic sexual abuse by Vince McMahon and Laurinaitis. Grant asserts that McMahon offered sexual acts with her to a WWE Superstar to secure their re-signing with the company, and accuses both men of nonconsensual and demeaning sexual acts.
The lawsuit further alleges that several individuals within WWE were aware of the misconduct but failed to intervene or offer assistance. Grant claims she was not interviewed during the company’s internal investigation into the initial allegations.
Amidst sponsor withdrawals and mounting pressure, TKO announced Vince McMahon resignation from his positions as executive chairman and member of the board of directors. McMahon has vehemently denied the allegations, stating through a spokesperson that the lawsuit is filled with lies and he intends to defend himself vigorously.
Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that McMahon has been under federal investigation since the previous summer, with agents subpoenaing documents and obtaining a search warrant for his phone. McMahon maintains his innocence as the lawsuit remains ongoing, with no final judgments issued at this time.
