Vince McMahon, CEO of WWE, Resigns Following Legal Battle Involving Sex Trafficking Allegations

Vince McMahon, the CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has resigned following allegations of sex trafficking made by a former employee named Janel Grant. Grant claims that McMahon, along with another executive named John Laurinaitis, sexually assaulted and trafficked her to attract wrestling talent. McMahon, who is 78 years old, has denied these allegations. His spokesperson called the case "replete with lies" and stated that McMahon would vigorously defend himself. McMahon announced his decision to resign as executive chairman of TKO, the parent company of WWE, in a statement, out of respect for the company and its stakeholders. WWE president Nick Khan confirmed McMahon's resignation in a staff memo, noting that McMahon would no longer have a role with TKO Group holdings or WWE. Grant, who was unemployed at the time and dealing with financial difficulties, accuses McMahon of pressuring her into a physical relationship and promising her a job at WWE. The lawsuit alleges that McMahon expected her to engage in sexual activity during working hours at WWE headquarters. Grant also accuses both defendants of sexually assaulting her at WWE headquarters in June 2021. In 2022, the WWE board launched an investigation into a $3 million settlement between McMahon and a former employee with whom he had a consensual affair. McMahon temporarily stepped down as CEO but resumed his position in 2023 after the investigation concluded. Grant criticized the company's investigation as a sham, claiming that she was never contacted or asked for evidence by the committee. McMahon is credited with overseeing WWE's growth into a global media phenomenon, with broadcasts in over 180 countries and 30 languages each week.