Prosecutors in New York are investigating former WWE chairman Vince McMahon for alleged sexual misconduct, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The investigation, which began in 2022, involves accusations of “rape, sex trafficking, sexual assault, commercial sex transaction, harassment or discrimination” made by current or former WWE employees. McMahon has resigned from his positions within WWE and TKO Holdings, the parent company, following a lawsuit filed by former employee Janel Grant accusing him of sexual assault and trafficking. McMahon has denied the allegations and expressed his intention to vigorously defend himself.
According to the Wall Street Journal, prosecutors executed a search warrant for McMahon’s phone and served him a subpoena for documents related to the allegations. The investigation also focuses on hush money payments made by McMahon to his accusers during his tenure as CEO. The grand jury subpoena seeks communication between McMahon and the women who made the allegations, including Grant.
Among the women named in the subpoena is Chatterton, who accused McMahon of rape. McMahon’s lawyer, Jerry McDevitt, denies the rape claim and states that McMahon settled the case to avoid litigation expenses. However, McMahon has not addressed the other allegations. Grant’s lawsuit alleges that McMahon pressured or forced her to have a sexual relationship with Laurinitis, another WWE employee. The suit further claims that McMahon and Laurinitis sexually assaulted Grant in the WWE office during work hours.
Edward Brennan, Laurinitis’ lawyer, acknowledges the allegations but asserts that his client is a victim, not a predator. Brennan states that Laurinitis denies the claims and will vigorously defend himself in court rather than the media. The truth, according to Brennan, will eventually be revealed.
