Former WWE Employee Reaches Settlement with John Laurinaitis in Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
A former employee of WWE who filed a lawsuit against ex-CEO Vince McMahon and former senior executive John Laurinaitis, accusing them of sexual abuse and trafficking, has reached a settlement with Laurinaitis and dismissed her claims against him.
The notice of Grant’s dismissal of claims against Laurinaitis was filed on Wednesday and can be viewed here.
In a joint statement, representatives for Grant and Laurinaitis stated that Laurinaitis has agreed to cooperate and provide evidence in Grant’s lawsuit against McMahon and WWE. The confidential settlement with Laurinaitis is seen as a significant step towards holding McMahon and WWE accountable for the alleged abuse and trafficking. Laurinaitis is looking forward to moving on with his life, and no further details are available at this time.
Representatives for McMahon and WWE have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Grant’s lawsuit, filed in January 2024, accused McMahon and Laurinaitis of engaging in sexual assault and trafficking on WWE property and using company funds. The lawsuit alleges that McMahon used sex toys named after other WWE employees, wrestlers, and performers to groom Grant for trafficking.
In response to the lawsuit, McMahon denied the allegations, calling them lies and a distortion of the truth. He stated his intention to vigorously defend himself and clear his name.
Following allegations of misconduct, WWE conducted an investigation in April 2022, leading to Laurinaitis’ termination in August 2022. McMahon stepped down as CEO but returned as executive chairman in January 2023 to oversee the sale of the company, which later merged with UFC to form TKO Group.
TKO Group, majority owned by Endeavor Group Holdings Inc., saw McMahon resign from the board in January 2024 in light of Grant’s lawsuit.
