Former WWE employee Janel Grant has filed a lawsuit against the company and its former CEO Vince McMahon, alleging sexual assault, harassment, trafficking, and other forms of abuse. Grant is now requesting that WWE release former and current employees and contractors from nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) so they can potentially come forward with similar accusations. McMahon has denied Grant’s allegations, stating that he had a consensual relationship with her and never mistreated her.
Grant worked in WWE’s legal and talent departments from 2019 to 2022 before suing the company, McMahon, and former executive John Laurinaitis in January. McMahon resigned as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amidst an investigation into allegations similar to those made by Grant. Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, is urging WWE and its parent company Endeavor to release employees from their NDAs, calling it the first step in rehabilitating a company with a history of covering up sexual assault and trafficking.
In response to Grant’s lawsuit, McMahon issued a statement calling the allegations lies and a vindictive distortion of the truth. Grant alleges that she was pressured into leaving her job at WWE and signing a $3 million NDA, which she is now seeking to have declared invalid. Four other women affiliated with WWE have reportedly signed NDAs with McMahon, preventing them from discussing their relationships with him. McMahon settled with a former wrestling referee in December 2022 over allegations of rape, which he denied.
Grant’s request for WWE to waive enforcement of NDAs is similar to actions taken by other companies facing sexual misconduct allegations. The Weinstein Co. and NBC Universal released individuals from NDAs in connection with allegations against Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer. NDAs are often criticized for silencing victims while allowing abusers to evade accountability. Federal and state laws have been implemented to restrict the use of NDAs in cases of sexual harassment, allowing victims to speak out.
In her lawsuit, Grant accuses McMahon of forcing her into a sexual relationship to obtain and retain employment, as well as directing her to engage in sexual relations with others, including Laurinaitis. She alleges sexual assaults took place at WWE headquarters and describes McMahon recruiting others for sexual encounters with her. McMahon, who purchased the company in 1982 and transformed it into a global phenomenon, has been a key figure in the wrestling industry for decades. Despite the allegations, McMahon has denied any wrongdoing and remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world.
