In a complaint filed in a federal court in Connecticut on Thursday, Jan. 25, former WWE CEO Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis, the former head of talent relations at WWE, were implicated in sex trafficking allegations by a former employee. Janel Grant, the complainant, alleges crimes of rape committed by McMahon and Laurinaitis.
In one instance, Grant provides graphic details, describing a sexual assault on a company conference table, where the perpetrators allegedly insisted, “No means yes.”
Grant further accused both men of using company funds to exploit her as a “sexual pawn” to secure talent deals and recruit wrestlers.
According to Grant, McMahon enticed her with the promise of a job at WWE after their meeting in 2019.
During her tenure at WWE, the lawsuit alleges that McMahon showered Grant with gifts, made promises of promotions that never materialized, and threatened her career and livelihood.
Grant claims that McMahon distributed explicit material to “thousands” of individuals that depicted her engaging in sexual acts with other WWE employees as part of his alleged demands.
The suit, filed by Grant, asserts that she came forward after McMahon failed to fulfill a $3 million payment as part of a non-disclosure agreement in 2022. The filings allege that McMahon refused payment and accused Grant of leaking information to the press.
“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 her abuse and then swept it under the rug,” Ann Callis, Grant’s legal representation, said in a statement on Thursday.
The complaint lists various charges Grant’s legal team is seeking, including a violation of the Trafficking Victims Prevention Act, civil battery, and intentional or negligent infliction of emotional distress, among other charges.
