Federal authorities are investigating sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations against World Wrestling Entertainment co-founder Vince McMahon.
McMahon has told those close to him that he’s under a federal probe while also admitting to having his phone seized by federal officials, per NBC News.
According to the Wall Street Journal, federal officials seized McMahon’s phone and subpoenaed documents related to the allegations in July 2023.
The latest revelation involving McMahon comes only a week after former employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against him, WWE, and former executive John Laurinaitis, alleging she had been sexually assaulted and trafficked in exchange for a job with the company.
McMahon responded, saying he intended to “vigorously” defend himself against what he categorized as false allegations. However, despite denying any wrongdoing, he resigned as executive chairman of WWE and UFC’s parent company, TKO, on the same day.
Laurinaitis has also denied the allegations, and neither he nor McMahon have been charged.
On Feb. 1, Laurinaitis’ lawyer, Edward Brennan, called the details in the lawsuit a “misguided complaint” while also turning the tables on McMahon.
“Like the Plaintiff, Mr. Laurinaitis is a victim in this case, not the predator,” Brennan told Tim Marchman of Vice News. “The truth will come out.”
This isn’t the first time McMahon has faced sexual assault allegations. Former referee Rita Chatterton said he raped her in 1986. McMahon denied the claim before ultimately reaching a multimillion-dollar settlement in 2022. McMahon retired shortly after the settlement after more sexual misconduct allegations came to light involving non-disclosure agreements totaling $19.6 million.
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues of sexual misconduct, 24/7 national helplines and resources are available through the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, at rainn.org or by calling 800-656-Hope.
