WWE faces crisis as McMahon steps down amid sexual assault allegations

The world of professional wrestling, specifically the United States-based World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), is currently grappling with a serious scandal. Janel Grant, a former employee, has come forward with accusations of sexual assault against Vince McMahon, one of the prominent owners of the company.

Grant, who found herself unemployed and facing financial struggles in 2019, alleges that McMahon made promises to her and actively promoted himself to attract skilled wrestlers to the organization.

Having worked at WWE from 2019 to 2022, Grant reveals that she was caught in a difficult position, torn between meeting McMahon’s inappropriate demands and risking her own position within the company.

In response to these allegations, the 78-year-old McMahon has chosen to resign. In a statement released yesterday, he vehemently denied the accusations, suggesting that Grant’s lawsuit was filled with fabricated and shocking events that never took place, fueled by a desire for revenge. McMahon also made it known that he is stepping down as the chairman of the executive board of TKO, the company that holds ownership of WWE.

WWE President Nick Khan, in a message to company employees, confirmed McMahon’s withdrawal from any role in TKO or WWE.

The WWE board of directors initiated an investigation in 2022 concerning McMahon’s alleged involvement in a $3 million settlement with a former employee based on a consensual relationship. While McMahon temporarily relinquished his position in favor of his daughter during the investigation, he returned to his role after its completion in January 2023.

Grant, in the lawsuit filed on Thursday, asserts that WWE’s investigation was an attempt to downplay the matter, emphasizing that she had not been contacted during the process.

Throughout McMahon’s leadership, WWE transformed into a media powerhouse, broadcasting programs in over 180 countries and 30 languages.