A former WWE staff member has come forward with alarming new allegations against Vince McMahon, co-founder of WWE, regarding sexual abuse claims.
Janelle Grant, who was employed by WWE from June 2019 until early 2022, stated in an affidavit submitted to a federal court in Connecticut that McMahon created a job specifically for her to maintain control over her.
She alleges that McMahon sexually abused her before her employment and that it intensified during her time with the company.
Over time, these encounters reportedly became more violent, resulting in both physical injuries and emotional distress, leading her to attempt suicide at one point.
Though it’s uncommon for victims’ identities to be revealed, Grant’s attorney has indicated that she wishes to make her story known, hoping that it may protect other women.
The paper sought a response from McMahon, but he has consistently denied the allegations.
Grant has accused McMahon and John Laurinaitis, another WWE executive, of raping her on a table during work hours in June 2021.
In her affidavit, she detailed that they forcefully held her down, assaulted her, and that she lost consciousness due to the trauma.
Grant described the sexual acts she was coerced into, stating they were violent and left her with lasting physical and mental scars.
She expressed that interactions with McMahon escalated, often causing her significant pain and distress, and even leading to visible physical issues.
Moreover, she claimed that McMahon assaulted her to “prepare” for sexual encounters with wrestler Brock Lesnar, and described various forms of abuse she endured, including being pinned down and physically harmed.
Grant stated that rather than protecting her, WWE moved her from the legal department to Laurinaitis’s talent relations department, enabling the situation further.
She also alleged that Brian Nurse, the former general counsel, was dismissed after he voiced concerns about McMahon’s behavior.
The newspaper has reached out to WWE, its parent company TKO Holdings, and several individuals for comments regarding these serious claims.
McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO in 2022 following Grant’s lawsuit and resigned from his position at TKO in January 2024.
Previously, TKO Group stated, “Mr. McMahon does not manage TKO and does not oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE.” They also indicated they are taking Grant’s allegations seriously and are addressing the matter internally.
