Janel Grant Files Amended Complaint Against Vince McMahon and WWE: New Allegations Emerge
Janel Grant recently filed an amended complaint in her lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE. This extension of her original filing, submitted to U.S. District Court in Connecticut, adds significant new allegations and brings the complaint to 101 pages, up from the original 67.
New Allegations Detailing Sexual Abuse and Involvement of Michael Hayes
Grant asserts that McMahon instructed her to create customized pornographic content for Michael Hayes, a long-standing WWE creative executive. She claims that in September 2020, McMahon sent her text messages encouraging her to share images.
The complaint includes screenshots of text messages sent by Grant, with one message reading: “Dear Vince’s crew, Hope ur enjoying these pics! Xoxo.” Another message, allegedly from Grant, says: “Hey Michael! Vince’s stories are true. And I love to live up to hype. Xoxo.”
These messages, coupled with Grant’s claims that she was pressured into sending explicit images to McMahon and even considering a trip to Greenville, South Carolina, paint a picture of ongoing coercion and manipulation by McMahon.
Accusations of Sexual Assault and Negligence
Grant’s original allegations against McMahon and Laurinaitis for sexual assault were substantiated by new claims. She asserts that Liu Laurnaitis used his office to sexually abuse her, and that their shared office wall with Paul Levesque’s office allowed him to further intimidate and manipulate her.
In one instance, Grant alleges that McMahon escorted her to perform oral sex on Laurinaitis, despite her protests. These allegations are part of a broader narrative of sexual abuse within WWE under McMahon’s leadership.
WWE’s Role in the Alleged Misconduct
Grant’s lawsuit also accuses WWE of negligence in creating a dangerous workplace culture that allowed McMahon’s alleged misconduct to persist. She claims that the company’s board of directors’ internal investigation into the allegations was a “sham” and that she was never interviewed.
Grant further contends that the attorney she worked with on the nondisclosure agreement (NDA) was recommended by a representative of McMahon, suggesting potential bias and coercion in the settlement process.
The Nondisclosure Agreement and Its Effect on the Lawsuit
The NDA signed by Grant and McMahon in January 2022 included a $3 million payout and required disputes to be settled through arbitration. Grant and her legal team argue that she was under duress during the signing process and that the agreement was extracted from her under questionable circumstances.
Key legal questions now revolve around whether the case will proceed in public court or be moved to private arbitration. Grant’s account includes allegations of a final sexual assault that occurred just after the NDA was signed.
“Ms. Grant’s amended complaint reveals new details that further demonstrate the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis and pulls back the curtain on the dangerous workplace culture McMahon created at WWE,”
— Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis
WWE’s Response and Future of the Case
WWE and McMahon’s attorneys dismissed Grant’s amended complaint as a “publicity stunt” filled with “falsehoods.” They argue that Grant’s claims are part of an ongoing smear campaign against the company.
“As expected, the proposed amended complaint is nothing more than the latest publicity stunt in an ongoing smear campaign,”
— McMahon’s attorney, Jessica Rosenberg
Judicial decision-making will determine whether the amended complaint is adopted into the case and whether the dispute will be settled through arbitration or public court proceedings.
Conclusion: Holding Abusers Accountable
Janel Grant’s updated lawsuit brings light to disturbing allegations of sexual abuse, trafficking, and misconduct within WWE. The case has significant implications for both the individuals involved and the broader issues of workplace culture, sexual harassment, and corporate responsibility.
As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on holding those responsible accountable and creating a safer environment for all employees.
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