In a disturbing lawsuit filed on Thursday, WWE co-founder Vince McMahon is accused of rape and trafficking by former employee Janel Grant. The graphic court documents, submitted to the U.S. District Court in Connecticut, detail instances of psychological torture and physical violence allegedly inflicted by McMahon. The plaintiff claims McMahon coerced her into a sexual relationship in March 2019, promising professional opportunities.
According to the lawsuit, McMahon later directed Grant to engage in sexual activities with WWE wrestlers and other men. Threats of revenge porn and depraved sexual demands were allegedly used to manipulate her for continued employment. Grant, employed by WWE from June 2019 to March 2022, states that she was fired after McMahon’s wife discovered the relationship. She further alleges being pressured to sign a $3 million nondisclosure agreement.
In response, McMahon’s statement disputes the claims, calling the lawsuit a collection of lies and distorted truths. The statement asserts his intention to vigorously defend himself.
Among the disturbing details in Grant’s lawsuit is an account of McMahon defecating on her during a threesome in May 2020. Court documents also claim violent rapes in June 2021, involving McMahon and WWE Talent Relations boss John Laurinaitis in Laurinaitis’ office at WWE headquarters. McMahon is accused of directing Grant to engage in sexual acts with him and other WWE employees during working hours.
John Laurinaitis and World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. are listed as defendants, with the suit claiming that the company actively sought to conceal the alleged wrongdoing.
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In a statement, WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, distanced itself from the accusations. TKO, formed in 2023 through WWE’s merger with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), emphasized that McMahon doesn’t control TKO or oversee WWE’s day-to-day operations. The company acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and is addressing the matter internally.
The lawsuit comes after McMahon’s temporary departure from WWE’s top executive position in 2022, following a Wall Street Journal investigation revealing payments of over $12 million to women over 16 years to conceal accusations of sexual misconduct. McMahon returned to the business’ board later in the year.
In July 2023, federal agents obtained a search warrant for McMahon’s phone in relation to an investigation of the payouts. No charges have been filed against him.
Grant’s lawsuit claims McMahon’s actions caused extreme cruelty and degradation, resulting in physical and mental distress, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation. Grant seeks to void the 2022 nondisclosure agreement and is pursuing unspecified damages. The legal battle continues to unfold, shedding light on the disturbing allegations against the wrestling industry titan.
