In a shocking development, WWE's longtime WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon has been accused of sexual assault and sex trafficking in a lawsuit filed by a woman who previously worked with the pro wrestling company. However, what has completely rocked the industry is another part of the report, published by The Wall Street Journal, that states McMahon reportedly set her up to have sex with other men – one of them being longtime former WWE executive John Laurinaitis and former WWE champion Brock Lesnar.
According to the report in the WSJ, Lesnar was identified as the recipient of McMahon’s request for Grant to “create personalized sexual content for a WWE superstar that he was trying to re-sign.”
"The suit didn't name the professional wrestler but described him as both a UFC fighter and WWE talent. People familiar with the matter identified the wrestler as Brock Lesnar, one of WWE's biggest names," – wrote Khadeeja Safdar of the Wall Street Journal in her report.
brock lesnar and vince mcmahon need to both be sent to prison pic.twitter.com/uKg093yKU4
— ًconner (@winterweather) January 25, 2024
According to the lawsuit, Vince McMahon also used sex toys on the victim, causing injuries, the Journal added. The suit, as per the report, says that the WWE founder paid her only $1 million and 'failed to make any further payments'. This led to the agreement being null and void.
Regarding Lesnar, the victim has also alleged that after the Best Incarnate signed a new contract, McMahon allegedly texted her, saying "that part of the deal was f****** U." McMahon allegedly gave Lesnar, the victim's phone number as well. Thereafter, Lesnar allegedly called for "a play date" in December 2021, but a snowstorm cancelled plans.
Laurinaitis was the former head of talent relations and general manager and has been named one of the defendants.
“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," said Grant″s lawyer, Ann Callis in a statement on Thursday.
“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,” the statement added.
What Does The Lawsuit Say?
“When McMahon pushed Ms. Grant for a physical relationship in return for long-promised employment at WWE, she felt trapped in an impossible situation: submitting to McMahon’s sexual demands or facing ruin,” read the lawsuit that was filed on January 25 in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.
“Specifically, while McMahon was CEO of WWE and Ms Grant was employed as an entry-level coordinator in the legal department, McMahon recruited individuals to have sexual relations with Ms Grant and/or with the two of them, directed Ms Grant to visit Defendant Laurinaitis prior to the start of workdays for sexual encounters, and expected and directed Ms Grant to engage in sexual activity at the WWE headquarters, even during working hours,” the suit added.
McMahon has been accused of paying millions in hush money payments to women after allegations of sexual misconduct. He stepped down as the CEO of WWE in 2022 following the accusations.
In 2023, WWE was acquired by Endeavor Group Holdings, the parent company of mixed martial arts giant UFC.