(Content Warning: This article contains allegations of sexual assault, sexual coercion, and sexual harassment)
WWE’s “Be A Star” anti-bullying program, developed in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, has been praised for its efforts to create a safe environment for children. However, recent events have shed light on the discrepancy between WWE’s concern for its young audience and its treatment of its own employees, particularly the women who worked under Vince McMahon, former WWE co-founder and Chairman and CEO.
McMahon recently resigned from his position at WWE amidst allegations of sexual harassment and assault. While he has denied any wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges, reports suggest that federal law enforcement agencies are investigating the allegations of sex trafficking in a lawsuit filed by former WWE paralegal Janel Grant against McMahon.
Grant’s allegations, which also involve former WWE executive John Laurinaitis, are deeply disturbing. However, it is important to note that this is not the first time that Vince McMahon’s name has been associated with sexual misconduct. In 2022, McMahon was forced to step down from the company after it was revealed that he had paid $12 million in non-disclosure agreements to four women over a span of 16 years. The Wall Street Journal also reported that McMahon paid $7.5 million to a former wrestler who claimed that he coerced her into performing oral sex and retaliated against her when she refused his advances. Another woman, a WWE contractor, came forward with allegations of sexual harassment and unsolicited nude photos from McMahon.
Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter, has played a complex role in all of this. While she has been instrumental in promoting women’s wrestling and empowering female wrestlers, she has also shown support for individuals with questionable histories, such as former Barstool CEO Erika Ayers Badan. Ayers Badan, who faced accusations of enabling harassment at Barstool, was welcomed onto WWE’s board of directors during Stephanie’s tenure. Stephanie herself has had to navigate her father’s inappropriate storyline pitches, highlighting the complicated dynamics within the McMahon family.
It is becoming increasingly clear that Vince McMahon’s behavior was not a secret within WWE. Former wrestler Dutch Mantell spoke about rumors of McMahon’s mistreatment of female wrestlers, describing instances where they would leave his presence visibly upset. Mantell believes that more stories will emerge in the future. Vince Russo, a former WWE writer, has also expressed his unwillingness to work with McMahon again due to concerns about morals and ethics.
WWE’s response to the allegations against McMahon has been less than satisfactory. The company’s Chief Creative Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, admitted to not having read Grant’s lawsuit, raising questions about his ability to address the situation appropriately. Levesque has a history of associating with individuals like Floyd Mayweather and has failed to address previous allegations of grooming against former WWE wrestler Velveteen Dream. WWE’s attempts to distract from the allegations by focusing on other aspects of its programming have been criticized.
While WWE’s “Be A Star” program aims to combat bullying, it is crucial that the message of respect and tolerance extends beyond the ring and into the company itself. WWE should prioritize creating a safe and inclusive environment for its employees, especially its female staff. It is equally important to educate young fans about sexual assault and harassment, and to provide them with the tools to recognize warning signs. WWE must address the issue seriously, ensuring that incidents like those involving Vince McMahon do not happen again.
It is time for WWE to take a stand against unwanted advances and coercion, both in and out of the ring. Wrestlemania could serve as the perfect platform for WWE to address these issues and demonstrate its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all.
