Vince McMahon & WWE Under DOJ Investigation; Rape & Sex Trafficking Case Paused

The serious rape and sex trafficking allegations against former WWE boss Vince McMahon are currently on hold, as the Department of Justice (DOJ) has stepped in.

Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York submitted evidence to the federal court, indicating a new investigation into McMahon, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and former WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis. This development has temporarily paused the explosive case filed by former WWE staffer Janel Grant, who accused McMahon and others of years of assault and abuse. The case could remain on hold for several months.

A recent filing from U.S. Attorney Damien Williams’ office emphasized the government’s serious commitment to this investigation. “In addition to counsel already of record, please enter my appearance as counsel for the United States of America, Sarah Mortazavi, Assistant United States Attorney,” Williams wrote to Judge Jeffrey A. Meyer.

Same way they got away with this pic.twitter.com/zxhCkgHoOR

— Philly Philly 🦅🅰️🐕 (@MonsieurPhilly) May 29, 2024

U.S. ATTORNEY AND VINCE MCMAHON

The U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment further when contacted by Deadline, but Grant’s attorney acknowledged the significance of the DOJ’s move, confirming it would halt the initial case for now. “Ms. Grant has consented to a request by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York to stay her case against Mr. McMahon, WWE, and Mr. Laurinaitis, pursuant to a pending non-public investigation,” stated Grant’s lawyer Ann Callis. “We will cooperate with all appropriate next steps.”

McMahon’s lawyer responded, expressing confidence that the evidence would disprove Grant’s allegations. “We remain confident the evidence will prove Ms. Grant’s allegations are false and her complaint is nothing more than a fabricated, vindictive narrative from a disgruntled former girlfriend,” said Jessica Rosenberg, a partner at Kasowitz, Benson Torres.

Grant’s lawsuit, filed on January 25, claims she was repeatedly raped and abused by McMahon from 2019 to 2022. She also alleges she was trafficked across state lines to other WWE executives and an unnamed “WWE Superstar” for sexual purposes. According to the lawsuit, Grant and McMahon had agreed to a $3 million payout in 2022 to keep the allegations private, but McMahon has only paid $1 million so far. Consequently, Grant seeks to invalidate the NDA and pursue other legal measures.

VINCE MCMAHON DENIALS

Following his vehement denials of Grant’s accusations, McMahon severed his final leadership ties with WWE-parent company TKO Group on January 27. This marked a significant fall from his role in overseeing the September 2023 merger of WWE with the UFC, forming the $21.4 billion TKO Group, where McMahon had served as Executive Chairman.

Despite some stock sales beforehand, McMahon still holds a substantial stake in TKO. Prior to Grant’s lawsuit, McMahon was already under scrutiny due to a settled internal investigation two years ago by WWE, which was then owned by Endeavor, for millions in hush money payments to various women, including Grant. Although that probe was closed, WWE acknowledged in the summer of 2023 that related government investigations were ongoing. The company revealed in an SEC filing that a search warrant had been executed against McMahon and a federal grand jury subpoena had been served on him.

How did Monday night football get away with this 💀

— just let it go (@Gamma_Goose) May 30, 2024

And we just saw what happened to Vince's old friend from WrestleMania four and five and Linda's old boss so let's find out what's going to happen with Vince cuz I don't see anything good going to happen through this this might be going to prison

— jerry janik (@jjanikone) May 30, 2024

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