Vince McMahon, iconic leader of WWE, stepped down from his role as executive chairman of the board of directors at TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company, following a federal lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, a former employee. The lawsuit accuses McMahon and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct, including coercing Grant into a sexual relationship for employment purposes. McMahon, 78, denies wrongdoing and vows to defend against the “baseless accusations.”
McMahon had previously resigned as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amidst similar allegations. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, details claims of McMahon forcing Grant into a physical relationship and circulating explicit content. The legal action also implicates WWE and John Laurinaitis, the company’s former head of talent relations.
TKO Group, WWE’s merged entity, addressed the matter internally, emphasizing McMahon’s lack of control over day-to-day operations. Grant seeks unspecified damages and challenges a $3 million nondisclosure agreement, alleging she received only $1 million. Her attorney, Ann Callis, asserts that the lawsuit aims to prevent further victimization and urges accountability for the organization’s leadership.