Current:Home > reviewsAttorneys hope Netflix's 'Mr. McMahon' will 'shed light' on WWE CEO's alleged abuse -RiskWatch
Attorneys hope Netflix's 'Mr. McMahon' will 'shed light' on WWE CEO's alleged abuse
View
Date:2025-04-16 19:18:50
The attorneys for the woman who filed a lawsuit against former WWE CEO Vince McMahon for alleged abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking said they hope the upcoming Netflix documentary on the controversial wrestling figure will "portray the realities of his abusive and exploitative behavior."
In January, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit in the state of Connecticut that detailed her experience at WWE's headquarters. Grant alleged McMahon made her sign a non-disclosure agreement about their relationship for an agreed amount of $3 million, but she didn't receive full payment from McMahon and wants to void the agreement with the lawsuit. Grant is also suing WWE’s former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis.
Next week, Netflix will release the docuseries "Mr. McMahon"on Sept. 25, promising to "delve into the mogul's controversial reign" in charge of the biggest wresting company in the world. In addition to interviews with McMahon himself and other prominent figures in wrestling, such as Dwyane "The Rock" Johnson, Hulk Hogan and Paul "Triple H" Levesque, the series hints that filming took place when Grant's lawsuit was announced.
Ann Callis, an attorney for Grant, said in a press briefing on Thursday she hopes the series will shed light on her client's story and that she feel it "does it justice."
"Because of the extreme cruelty, degradation, exploitation and violence she was subjected to on a near daily basis for more than two years, (Grant) now suffers from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, suicidal ideation and the inability to leave her home for weeks at a time," Callis said. "We hope it shines a light on the abhorrent actions of McMahon, frequently on WWE property, and it portrays the realities of his abusive and exploitative behavior."
McMahon resigned as executive chairman and board member of TKO Group Holdings, parent company of WWE, the day after the lawsuit was filed. but the wrestling company's founder maintains his innocence.
“I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name,” McMahon previously said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports.
Grant did not take part in "Mr. McMahon," Callis added, and did not clarify whether she was asked to be part of it. Callis only said Grant "deserves the opportunity to tell her full story, not be a part of someone else's."
"(Grant) will get her day in court, and McMahon will be held accountable," Callis said. "She would like to expedite all proceedings as quickly as possible, and Janelle has the right to tell her story in her own way at the right time."
While Grant wants to expedite the proceedings of the lawsuit, the case is currently paused because the U.S. Department of Justice is conducting its own investigation. Grant's attorneys have not heard any updates on the federal investigation but said they want it to proceed quickly so her lawsuit may continue.
Last month, Grant also filed a petition to obtain her medical records from Dr. Carlon Colker. Callis said McMahon arranged visits for Grant to Colker and they're requesting all communication between them. Colker and Peak Wellness filed an official complaint to the petition, stating it's part of Grant's "smear campaign" against WWE.
When asked about any contact Grant has had with WWE since her lawsuit was filed, Callis said there was some initial "very brief" outreach by WWE, but nothing from the company since.
"Janelle Grant's a human being. As I've said before, she deserves justice," Callis said. "She's a victim and a survivor, she is not a WWE storyline."
veryGood! (278)
Related
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- It's Equal Pay Day. The gender pay gap has hardly budged in 20 years. What gives?
- The White House is avoiding one word when it comes to Silicon Valley Bank: bailout
- Travis King's family opens up about U.S. soldier in North Korean custody after willfully crossing DMZ
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- ‘Reduced Risk’ Pesticides Are Widespread in California Streams
- Silicon Valley Bank failure could wipe out 'a whole generation of startups'
- New Federal Report Warns of Accelerating Impacts From Sea Level Rise
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Press 1 for more anger: Americans are fed up with customer service
Ranking
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- BET Awards 2023: See Every Star on the Red Carpet
- Inside Clean Energy: Where Can We Put All Those Wind Turbines?
- Activists Urge the International Energy Agency to Remove Paywalls Around its Data
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- RHOC's Emily Simpson Slams Accusation She Uses Ozempic for Weight Loss
- Chicago Billionaire James Crown Dead at 70 After Racetrack Crash
- Honda recalls nearly 500,000 vehicles because front seat belts may not latch properly
Recommendation
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
A Friday for the Future: The Global Climate Strike May Help the Youth Movement Rebound From the Pandemic
Chloë Grace Moretz's Summer-Ready Bob Haircut Will Influence Your Next Salon Visit
Florida couple pleads guilty to participating in the US Capitol attack
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
The U.K. is the latest to ban TikTok on government phones because of security concerns
The Fed already had a tough inflation fight. Now, it must deal with banks collapsing
After 2 banks collapsed, Sen. Warren blames the loosening of restrictions