WWE co-founder Vince McMahon under federal probe over sexual assault and sex trafficking allegations

STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT: Former WWE chairman Vince McMahon is now facing federal investigation over the allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking, according to a report.  Prosecutors in New York have been in touch with alleged victims of McMahon’s sexual misconduct, people familiar with the investigation told the Wall Street Journal and Forbes. 

The 78-year-old resigned last week from the WWE after former employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexually abusing her and trafficking her to other men inside the wrestling giant. The former premiere wrestling promotion's kingpin has refuted the claims and said the federal investigation won’t find any wrongdoing.

“I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name,” he told WSJ in a statement.

What did Janel Grant state?

Grant, who worked in the company’s legal and talent departments, made disturbing allegations in her suit filed in Connecticut federal court that McMahon defecated on her head during a threesome in May 2020 and sex-trafficked her to other WWE executives.

She alleged that McMahon sent her a text message in May 2020 that read, "I’m the only one who owns U and controls who I want to f***k U.”

WWE was previously investigating an alleged $3 million payment from Vince McMahon to a departing female employee

Grant’s lawsuit comes after it was reported last year that the WWE was investigating an alleged $3 million payment from McMahon to a departing female employee following a consensual affair. The former employee, who was later revealed to be Grant, claims in her lawsuit that she received an initial installment of $1 million, but no additional payments later.

A subsequent probe found that McMahon paid $14.6 million to several women who accused him of sexual misconduct. Grant’s lawsuit also claims he shared nude photos and explicit videos of her without her consent with other WWE employees and directed her to have sex with other execs and a wrestling star.

Grant also names as defendants in the lawsuit the WWE and John Laurinaitis, the company’s former head of talent relations and general manager. In July 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant and served a grand jury subpoena to McMahon, according to a regulatory filing.

Grant broke her silence through her St Louis-based attorney, Ann Callis, last week. “She hopes those at the company past and present who fear speaking out about harm is a thing of the past. She wishes them all peace,” Callis said in a statement. Grant is seeking unspecified monetary damages and to have the court void her nondisclosure agreement.