In January, former WWE worker Janel Grant got here ahead with an explosive lawsuit in opposition to ex-WWE proprietor Vince McMahon and former WWE Head of Expertise Relations John Laurinaitis that accused them of sexually assaulting and trafficking her. Shortly thereafter, McMahon resigned from WWE’s guardian firm TKO. And whereas the 2 sides have but to fulfill in a courtroom of legislation, the Division of Justice is now opening its personal investigation into Grant’s claims.
Through Deadline, the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace for the Southern District Of New York revealed to the federal courtroom that McMahon, Laurinaitis, and WWE are the topics of an official DOJ investigation. In consequence, Grant’s lawsuit will now be on the backburner whereas the federal government pursues its personal case.
“Ms. Grant has consented to a request by the U.S. Legal professional for the Southern District of New York to remain her case in opposition to Mr. McMahon, WWE and Mr. Laurinaitis, pursuant to a pending personal investigation,” Grant’s lawyer Ann Callis advised Deadline. “We’ll cooperate with all applicable subsequent steps.”
Jessica Rosenberg, one of many companions representing McMahon, stated “We stay assured the proof will show Ms. Grant’s allegations are false and her criticism is nothing greater than a fabricated, vindictive narrative from a disgruntled former girlfriend.”
Final month, McMahan and Laurinaitis tried to convey Grant’s case into arbitration underneath the phrases of the NDA that she claims is now invalid since McMahan by no means paid her the complete quantity that was promised. There’s presently no timetable for when the DOJ will end its investigation, or when Grant’s case will resume.
McMahan beforehand left WWE in 2022 after he was accused of utilizing hush-money agreements to repay former WWE staff whom he had affairs with. Nevertheless, McMahon used his controlling curiosity in WWE’s voting shares to power himself again into the corporate in January 2023. WWE and Endeavor subsequently struck a deal that merged McMahon’s federation with the UFC to kind a brand new firm, TKO Group. McMahon was retained by TKO as govt chairman till he resigned following Grant’s lawsuit.
Picture credit score: Getty Pictures/Ethan Miller/Workers
