(Content Warning: This article contains allegations of sexual assault, sexual coercion, and sexual harassment)
In its “Impact” section, WWE promotes its anti-bullying initiative, “Be A Star” (Promote Tolerance and Respect), which was developed in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. The program aims to create a safe and inclusive afterschool environment for over 4 million children across 4,300 clubs. However, while WWE prioritizes the well-being of its under-18 audience, it appears that the same level of concern does not extend to its employees, especially the women who worked under former WWE co-founder and CEO, Vince McMahon.
Recently, McMahon resigned from his position at WWE amidst allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Although he denies any wrongdoing and has not faced criminal charges, there are reports of federal law enforcement agencies investigating allegations related to sex trafficking in a federal lawsuit filed against McMahon by former WWE paralegal Janel Grant.
Grant’s allegations against McMahon and former WWE executive John Laurinaitis are deeply disturbing, but they overshadow the fact that this is not the first time we’ve heard of “Vince McMahon” and “sexual misconduct” in close proximity. In 2022, McMahon was forced to step down from the company after a Wall Street Journal report revealed that he had paid $12 million in non-disclosure agreements to four women over a span of 16 years, one of whom was Grant. The report also stated that McMahon paid $7.5 million to a former wrestler who claimed he coerced her into performing oral sex and then retaliated against her when she refused his subsequent advances. Another woman, a WWE contractor, came forward with unsolicited nude photos she received from McMahon while experiencing sexual harassment at work. When McMahon initially stepped down following the WSJ report, his daughter, Stephanie, led a chant thanking him.
Stephanie McMahon has been a contradictory figure, championing women’s empowerment while seemingly turning a blind eye to the misconduct of men. She played a significant role in WWE’s women’s revolution in 2020, which launched the careers of wrestlers like Becky Lynch, Mercedes Mone (formerly Sasha Banks), and Charlotte Flair. However, she also supported the appointment of former Barstool CEO Erika Ayers Badan (formerly Erika Nardini) to WWE’s board of directors, despite Ayers Badan’s association with a company notorious for harassing women. Stephanie’s actions raise questions about the sincerity of WWE’s message of tolerance and respect.
It is becoming increasingly evident that Vince McMahon’s behavior was not a secret within the industry. Former wrestler Dutch Mantell spoke about rumors of McMahon’s mistreatment of female wrestlers, stating that they would often leave McMahon’s presence looking visibly upset. Mantell believes that more stories will emerge in the future. Additionally, former WWE writer Vince Russo, known for his commentary on WWE, expressed his refusal to work with McMahon again due to concerns about morals and ethics.
WWE’s response to the allegations against McMahon has been lackluster. Attempts to divert attention from the situation through high-profile events and comebacks have fallen short. WWE’s Chief Creative Officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, admitted to not even reading Grant’s lawsuit, highlighting a lack of appropriate response. Levesque has previously faced criticism for associating with Floyd Mayweather and failing to address past allegations of grooming against former WWE wrestler Velveteen Dream. WWE’s handling of the situation does not convey a serious commitment to addressing sexual assault.
The author of this article has been critical of WWE’s “Attitude Era,” which exploited and mistreated women both on and off-screen. While the “Be A Star” initiative aims to combat bullying, it is equally important for WWE to demonstrate to its young female audience that boundaries matter, particularly when it comes to discussions about sexual assault and harassment. According to the CDC, the majority of female rape survivors experienced their first assault before the age of 25, with almost half of them being minors. Similarly, a significant number of male rape survivors were coerced before the age of 25, with a substantial portion being minors.
Perhaps it is time for WWE to include standing up against unwanted sexual advances and coercion as part of its message of being a star. The company should extend the values of respect and tolerance to its backstage environment, including its executive suite. Additionally, WWE should engage qualified individuals to educate children and young adults about sexual misconduct and sex trafficking warning signs. It is crucial for WWE to send a representative from its leadership team who has thoroughly read Grant’s lawsuit and takes it seriously to address fans and assure them that measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence of Vince McMahon’s behavior.
There is no better occasion than Wrestlemania to address these issues and prioritize the well-being of all individuals associated with WWE.