Former WWE boss Vince McMahon has denied allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking against him in a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant. McMahon’s response, filed in U.S. District Court, called the claims “pure fiction” and stated that Grant and McMahon had a consensual relationship with no coercion or mistreatment. McMahon also pointed out contradictions in Grant’s claims, including that she wrote a love letter to him months after the alleged misconduct. McMahon further claimed that Grant visited his Connecticut condo at all hours, despite living with her fiance. Grant’s lawyer, Ann Callis, refuted McMahon’s claims, stating that Grant had been caring for her parents and had no job or financial support at the time of the alleged misconduct.
In Grant’s initial lawsuit, she alleged that McMahon lured her to WWE with promises of a stellar career, only to sexually exploit her and involve her in sex trafficking activities between 2019 and 2022. McMahon’s filing disputed these claims, stating that Grant’s father had passed away two years before she met McMahon, and her mother was cared for by a neighbor before her passing. Callis accused McMahon of twisting the narrative to fit his own agenda and using Grant’s personal tragedies to discredit her. The lawsuit also named former WWE executive John Laurinaitis, who has denied the allegations against him as well.
The response from McMahon’s filing further claimed that Grant’s relationship with McMahon was consensual and that she wrote a love letter to him praising their bond. McMahon characterized Grant’s allegations as an attempt to gain publicity and stated that she visited his condo at all hours. Grant’s lawyer, Callis, continued to refute McMahon’s claims, stating that Grant was caring for her parents around the clock and had no financial support at the time of the alleged misconduct. The allegations of sexual abuse and sex trafficking have sparked a legal battle between Grant and McMahon, with both parties presenting differing accounts of their relationship.
McMahon stepped down as executive chairman of TKO Group Holdings amid the allegations, further emphasizing his denial of the claims made by Grant. The lawsuit filed by Grant has brought attention to the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation in the wrestling industry, with former WWE executives and wrestlers being accused of misconduct. McMahon’s response to the lawsuit has sparked controversy and debate within the wrestling community, with supporters of both parties taking sides in the legal battle. The outcome of the lawsuit and the allegations made by Grant against McMahon and Laurinaitis remain to be seen as the legal proceedings continue in U.S. District Court.
