Vince McMahon, arguably the biggest and most important figure in the rise of professional wrestling and in turning the WWE into a global icon, has officially resigned from his positions as TKO Executive Chairman and on the TKO Board of Directors, following a lawsuit accusing him of serious sexual misconduct.
, filed by Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, accuses McMahon of forcing her into a sexual relationship to maintain her job. The allegations include sharing pornographic pictures and videos of her with other men, including WWE employees. Grant's lawsuit implicates not only McMahon but also John Laurinaitis, the company's former head of talent relations and general manager, both named as defendants.
The legal action states that the abuse and exploitation began in March 2020, which includes text message screenshots allegedly from McMahon, requesting depraved sexual acts. In response, McMahon vehemently denies the allegations, calling them "lies" and "a vindictive distortion of the truth." He has expressed his intention to defend himself vigorously against these accusations.
Despite his denials, McMahon resigned out of respect for WWE, TKO, and their stakeholders, including the employees, shareholders, and fans. His departure follows an investigation into similar allegations in 2022, leading to his temporary stepping down as WWE's CEO. That year, WWE's board initiated an investigation upon receiving an anonymous tip about McMahon's improper relationship with Grant.
