Vince McMahon’s Federal Sex Trafficking Probe Paused – DOJ Gets Involved
Vince McMahon’s federal investigation into sex trafficking has been paused.
McMahon has been under intense scrutiny following a lawsuit by ex-WWE employee Janel Grant. She alleged that Vince had made an offer for sex in return for her getting a job. The lawsuit also states that other men had trafficked her. It is also claimed that sexual photos and videos of Grant were shared with WWE employees. Vince responded by stepping down from his role as Executive Chairman of TKO Group Holdings Inc., as he left the TKO board of directors. McMahon has also sold a huge amount of his stock in TKO Holdings Group Inc., increasing suggestions that he could be preparing a settlement.
Vince’s Problems
“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, effective immediately,” McMahon said
“Today’s complaint seeks to hold accountable two WWE executives who sexually assaulted and trafficked Plaintiff Janel Grant, as well as the organization that facilitated or turned a blind eye to the abuse and then swept it under the rug.
“She is an incredibly private and courageous person who has suffered deeply at the hands of Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis. 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,” Ann Callis (Grant’s attorney) revealed
Vince’s record does not help. Rita Chatterton, an ex-female referee, claimed McMahon had raped her. That case would get settled out of court. McMahon would also step down as CEO of WWE in 2022. Reports claimed he paid nearly $15 million in total to four women to keep quiet over sexual misconduct claims. While the investigation has been paused, the Department of Justice will investigate Vince, WWE, and John Laurinaitis (the former head of talent at WWE).
Vince’s Past
Vince’s record does not help. Rita Chatterton, an ex-female referee, claimed McMahon had raped her. That case would get settled out of court. McMahon would also step down as CEO of WWE in 2022. Reports claimed he paid nearly $15 million in total to four women to keep quiet over sexual misconduct claims. While the investigation has been paused, the Department of Justice will investigate Vince, WWE, and John Laurinaitis (the former head of talent at WWE). This was after Grant agreed to do so.
“In addition to counsel already of record, please enter my appearance as counsel for the United States of America, Sarah Mortazavi, Assistant United States Attorney,” Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York
“Ms. Grant has consented to a request by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York to stay her case against Mr. McMahon, WWE and Mr. Laurinaitis, pursuant to a pending non-public investigation. We will cooperate with all appropriate next steps,” Ann Callis (Grant’s attorney)
If Vince is found guilty, it would likely spell the end of his time in combat sports. He bought WWE in 1982, making it the leading wrestling franchise. While the AEW has provided some competition, WWE’s Netflix deal, which stands at $5 billion for Monday Night Raw over the next ten years, shows the WWE can still command a huge audience. But it may have to do it without Vince.
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