Vince McMahon Resigns Following Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit

Wrestling Icon Steps Down Amid Accusations

In a shocking turn of events, wrestling icon Vince McMahon has resigned from WWE's parent company, TKO Group Holdings. This comes in the wake of a federal lawsuit filed by a former employee, accusing McMahon and another former executive of serious sexual misconduct.

The lawsuit, filed by Janel Grant, alleges that McMahon forced her into a sexual relationship as a condition for employment and distributed explicit photos and videos of her to other individuals, including fellow WWE employees. While the AP typically does not name accusers in sexual assault cases, Grant's representatives have confirmed her decision to go public.

McMahon, who stepped down as CEO of WWE in 2022 amidst similar allegations, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. In a statement released following his resignation, he stated, "I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant's lawsuit is riddled with false claims and vicious distortions of the truth. I fully intend to vigorously defend myself and clear my name."

McMahon's departure from TKO Group Holdings is seen as a move out of respect for the company and its stakeholders. His long-standing career in the wrestling industry has made him a prominent figure, with WWE matches now taking place in large stadiums and boasting a significant international fanbase.

It is worth noting that WWE merged with the company behind Ultimate Fighting Championship last year to create TKO Group Holdings, a global sports entertainment powerhouse. McMahon served as the executive chairman of the board for this newly formed entity until his resignation.

As the legal battle continues to unfold, many are left wondering what lies ahead for both Vince McMahon and the future of WWE.

TKO Group Responds to McMahon's Resignation

TKO Group's representative has addressed the recent resignation of Mr. McMahon in a statement. It was reported by Deadline that McMahon would be stepping down from his position.

In their statement earlier this week, TKO Group clarified that McMahon has no control over TKO and does not oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE. They also emphasized that even though this matter predates their tenure at the company, they take Ms. Grant’s serious allegations very seriously and are handling the situation internally.

The lawsuit filed by Grant also includes WWE and John Laurinaitis, an ex-pro wrestler and the former head of talent relations and general manager, as defendants. There has been no response from WWE or Laurinaitis regarding these allegations.

According to the lawsuit, Grant asserts that McMahon lived in the same building as her and, in 2019, offered her a job at WWE following the death of her parents. She claims that it became apparent later on that one of the requirements for the job was engaging in a physical relationship with McMahon, as well as later with Laurinaitis and others.

The lawsuit further alleges that over the course of several years, McMahon showered Grant with lavish gifts, including a luxury car.

In 2021, it is claimed that McMahon offered one of his star wrestlers the opportunity to engage in a sexual relationship with Grant as a perk.

The lawsuit highlights that "WWE benefited financially from the commercial sex act venture orchestrated by McMahon, including by having wrestling talent... sign new contracts with WWE after McMahon presented Plaintiff as a sexual commodity for their use."

Grant is seeking unspecified monetary damages and aims to have the court nullify a $3 million nondisclosure agreement. She alleges that she only received $1 million from this agreement.

Her attorney, Ann Callis, stated on Thursday that "Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized." She also stated that the organization is well aware of McMahon's history of inappropriate behavior, and it is time for them to take responsibility for the misconduct of their leadership.