DOJ Investigation Pauses Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Vince McMahon

The lawsuit filed by a former WWE employee, Janel Grant, accusing WWE founder Vince McMahon and former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis of sex trafficking and sexual assault, has been put on hold. This pause comes as the Department of Justice initiates its own investigation into McMahon, WWE, and Laurinaitis. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York submitted a sealed filing to the federal court, indicating their involvement in the case.

Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, confirmed that Grant has agreed to pause her lawsuit in response to the request by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The reason cited is a pending non-public investigation. Callis stated that they will cooperate with any necessary steps in the investigation process.

The lawsuit, filed in January by Grant, contains detailed allegations of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and exploitation during her employment at WWE. Among these allegations is a claim that McMahon and Laurinaitis sexually assaulted her in a WWE office conference room. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges McMahon shared sexually explicit content of Grant with other WWE employees and a well-known athlete.

McMahon, who resigned as executive chairman of TKO Group Holdings after the lawsuit became public, has vehemently denied all accusations. Despite his denial, McMahon has gradually sold off his stock in TKO, the merged company between UFC and WWE. TKO has distanced itself from McMahon, stating they have had no communication with him regarding his stock sales.

The sealed filing from the Department of Justice underscores the seriousness of the investigation, particularly with Grant’s lawsuit being put on hold. As of now, there has been no public statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York regarding the nature or scope of the investigation into McMahon and WWE.