A former staff member of WWE, Janel Grant, took legal action on Thursday in a federal district court in Connecticut, alleging severe misconduct.
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Janel Grant, formerly associated with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), filed a lawsuit against the company’s founder, Vince McMahon, and a former executive, citing sex trafficking and abuse.
In her complaint, Grant accuses the defendants of various forms of mistreatment, including physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking during her tenure with WWE.
Ann Callis, representing Grant, conveyed that the lawsuit aims to hold the accused accountable for their actions and bring justice to Grant, who has endured substantial suffering.
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A spokesperson for Vince McMahon dismissed the allegations as false and stated that he would vigorously defend himself against the lawsuit. The parent company of WWE, TKO Group Holdings, expressed concern over the allegations and emphasized their commitment to addressing the matter internally.
The lawsuit also implicates John Laurinaitis, another former executive at WWE, although there has been no immediate response from him regarding the allegations.
The lawsuit includes a range of legal claims, such as sex trafficking, civil battery, emotional distress, and negligence, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Grant’s lawsuit describes McMahon’s alleged misconduct, including manipulation and coercion, with promises of career advancement in exchange for sexual favors.
McMahon’s position as the company’s chief executive at the time allegedly enabled him to exert undue influence over Grant, creating a hostile environment where she felt compelled to comply with his demands.
The lawsuit details McMahon’s purported actions, including sharing explicit content of Grant and pressuring her into sexual activities, even during working hours at WWE headquarters.