Lawyers representing Vince McMahon, WWE, and Janelle Grant have submitted a joint request seeking a brief postponement for upcoming hearings as they explore the possibility of moving the case to confidential arbitration.
Grant has filed a lawsuit against McMahon and WWE, alleging sexual assault and sex trafficking. McMahon stepped down as CEO of WWE in 2022 and subsequently retired from TKO in 2024 following the filing of the initial lawsuit.
The documents submitted to the District Court of Connecticut indicate, “The parties are actively discussing the potential for resolving the dispute through confidential arbitration regarding these claims.” They express a desire to avoid wasting the court’s resources and wish to concentrate on finalizing a possible arbitration agreement. Thus, they respectfully request that the court temporarily adjourn the hearing and allow them to present a joint status report within 21 days.
A hearing on “Defendants’ Motion to Mandate Arbitration and Plaintiff’s New Motion for Leave of Absence on Disclosures Related to the Claims” is set for June 16.
Grant, who was employed by WWE from June 2019 to 2022, alleges that she endured “repeated physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking” at the hands of McMahon, claiming that “most senior executives and talent were aware of and encouraged the abuse she experienced.” She has made several serious allegations against McMahon in additional documents submitted as part of her lawsuit.
Throughout this situation, McMahon has consistently maintained his innocence. TKO Group stated to the Associated Press in January 2024 that it takes Grant’s allegations “very seriously.” At that time, the company clarified that “Mr. McMahon does not manage TKO or oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE.” They added that although this matter predates the current management team at TKO, they are treating Grant’s allegations with utmost seriousness and are addressing the issue internally.
