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TKO and spokesperson for Vince McMahon issue statement in response to sex trafficking lawsuit

Aaron Rift

It was reported earlier today by The Wall Street Journal that Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis in a Connecticut federal court. McMahon was accused of sex trafficking in the complaint.

Variety.com published an article on the lawsuit and noted that while reps for WWE and McMahon did not immediately respond to a request for comment, a spokesperson for TKO Group Holdings (parent company of WWE and UFC) issued the following statement…

“Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE. While this matter predates our TKO executive team’s tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant’s horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally.”

Deadline.com obtained a statement from a spokesperson for McMahon…

“This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself.”

Ann Callis, an attorney for Grant, also issued a statement…

“Today’s complaint seeks to hold accountable two WWE executives who sexually assaulted and trafficked Plaintiff Janel Grant, as well as the organization that facilitated or turned a blind eye to the abuse and then swept it under the rug. She is an incredibly private and courageous person who has suffered deeply at the hands of Mr. McMahon and Mr. Laurinaitis. Ms. Grant hopes that her lawsuit will prevent other women from being victimized. The organization is well aware of Mr. McMahon’s history of depraved behavior, and it’s time that they take responsibility for the misconduct of its leadership.”