STAMFORD, CT - Vince McMahon, the prominent figure in the world of wrestling and executive chairman of the board of directors at WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, has resigned following serious sexual misconduct allegations. The decision comes on the heels of a federal lawsuit filed by a former employee, Janel Grant, accusing McMahon and another former executive of inappropriate behavior, including offering her sex to a star wrestler.
McMahon vehemently denies the allegations, maintaining his innocence and characterizing the lawsuit as a collection of false and vindictive distortions. In a statement released late Friday, McMahon asserted his departure from the board was an act of respect towards WWE and TKO Group.
Janel Grant's lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, details disturbing allegations, claiming McMahon forced her into a sexual relationship to secure and maintain her job. The suit further alleges that McMahon circulated explicit pictures and videos of Grant to other men, including WWE employees.
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This is not the first time McMahon has faced such accusations. In 2022, he stepped down as WWE's CEO amid an investigation into similar claims. The current lawsuit, however, poses a renewed challenge to McMahon's reputation and legal standing.
Vince McMahon, 78, has been an iconic figure in the wrestling world for decades, leading WWE through a transformative period. Under his leadership, WWE evolved from small venues to holding matches in professional sports stadiums, achieving global recognition. McMahon's resignation follows the merger of WWE with the company overseeing Ultimate Fighting Championship to create TKO Group Holdings in April 2023.
While McMahon asserts that he does not control TKO and does not oversee WWE's day-to-day operations, the company takes the allegations seriously and is addressing the matter internally. Janel Grant seeks unspecified damages in her lawsuit and aims to nullify a $3 million nondisclosure agreement, claiming she received only $1 million.
The lawsuit also names WWE and John Laurinaitis, a former pro wrestler and the company's former head of talent relations and general manager, as defendants. WWE and Laurinaitis have yet to respond to media inquiries about the allegations.
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