Significant developments have emerged in the ongoing lawsuit involving former WWE employee Janel Grant and WWE chairman Vince McMahon. Court records reveal that Janel Grant reached a confidential settlement with John Laurinaitis, a former WWE executive initially named as a defendant in the case. As part of this settlement, Laurinaitis has been dismissed from the lawsuit and will provide evidence to support Grant’s claims. A statement from Post-Wrestling confirmed Laurinaitis’ cooperation in the case, calling the settlement a crucial step toward holding McMahon and WWE accountable for alleged sexual abuse and human trafficking. Laurinaitis expressed his intention to move forward with his life, though further details remain confidential.
This is the second occasion Laurinaitis has sought to distance himself from McMahon since the lawsuit was filed in January 2024. Initially, Laurinaitis’ legal team denied Grant’s accusations against him. However, Laurinaitis later shifted his stance to align with McMahon and WWE, urging Grant to either drop the lawsuit or opt for arbitration. The recent development follows an amendment to Grant’s lawsuit approved by Judge Sarah F. Russell earlier this month. WWE and McMahon have filed a motion to transfer the trial to arbitration, with a decision expected by June 13th. Laurinaitis’ attorneys have affirmed his support for Grant’s updated claims and motions.
In response, Vince McMahon’s attorney, Jessica Rosenberg, stated that Laurinaitis’ removal as a defendant does not alter the facts of the case, vehemently denying any abuse by McMahon toward Grant and labeling the allegations as baseless.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for WWE fans because it signals serious internal upheaval and a possible reckoning for WWE’s leadership regarding longstanding allegations. Depending on how this case unfolds, it could profoundly impact WWE’s reputation and potentially reshape how the sport manages accountability and workplace conduct.
