Vince McMahon recently announced his resignation as the executive chairman of WWE-parent TKO Group Holdings. This decision comes in the wake of a sexual abuse scandal that has sent shockwaves through the wrestling world.
Despite vehemently denying the allegations made against him in a lawsuit filed on Thursday, McMahon has chosen to step down from his position. The lawsuit was brought forward by ex-staffer Janel Grant. She accused McMahon of sexual assault and trafficking.
In response, McMahon maintains that the lawsuit is filled with lies and baseless accusations.
McMahon said in a statement: “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. 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, effectively immediately.”
Janel Grant’s lawsuit includes disturbing allegations. Grant claims that McMahon defecated on her during a threesome, trafficked her to other WWE executives, and sexually abused her with toys named after wrestling stars. These shocking revelations have undoubtedly contributed to McMahon’s decision to step down.
According to Variety, staff members were informed of McMahon’s decision through an email sent by WWE president and TKO board member Nick Khan. The email stated, “I wanted to inform you that Vince McMahon has tendered his resignation from his positions as TKO Executive Chairman and on the TKO Board of Directors. He will no longer have a role with TKO Group Holdings or WWE.”
The lawsuit claims that McMahon encouraged her to have sex with other executives and a wrestling star, and that he also sent her nude pictures to other staff members.
In 2020, McMahon allegedly texted Grant saying: “I’m the only one who owns U and controls who I want to f— U.”
Grant claims that McMahon’s injuries were also brought on by her usage of sex toys.
Her lawyer Ann Callis released a statement on Thursday. She stated: “Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized. The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahon’s history of depraved behavior, and it’s time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.”