The Wall Street Journal reported that Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut on Thursday. Grant alleged that Vince McMahon abused and sexually exploited her when McMahon was the Chief Executive Officer of WWE.
In the lawsuit, Janel Grant alleged McMahon and Laurinaitis used her for their own pleasure and as a pawn to secure talent deals with prospective wrestlers they were recruiting. In January 2022, Grant was pressured to resign from the company and forced to sign an NDA after Linda McMahon became aware of the relationship.
Vince McMahon promised her $3 million after she agreed to sign the NDA. McMahon paid her $1 million in February 2022 and then stopped paying her. According to the lawsuit, McMahon has falsely accused her of leaking his misconduct information to the media. The screenshots of McMahon’s messages to Janel Grant were also included in the lawsuit.
Robinson & Cole LLP and Holland Law Firm LLC represent Janel Grant.
Ann E. Callis, one of Grant’s attorneys, told the media:
“She is an incredibly private and courageous person who has suffered deeply at the hands of Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis. Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized.”