WWE founder Vince McMahon has announced his resignation from all roles within WWE and its parent company TKO in light of recent allegations of rape and SE trafficking.
The 78-year-old businessman, who vehemently denies the claims against him, decided to file a lawsuit earlier this week.
In a statement to Deadline, McMahon reiterated his denial of the allegations, calling the lawsuit “replete with lies” and a “vindictive distortion of the truth.
“He expressed his intention to defend himself and clear his name vigorously but stated that he was immediately stepping down from his executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors out of respect for the WWE Universe, TKO business, and its stakeholders.
The lawsuit, filed on January 25 by a former WWE employee, Janel Grant, alleges that McMahon SE abused and exploited her during his tenure as chief executive.
Grant claims that McMahon promised her career advancement but instead trafficked her to other men within the company. She also alleges graphic instances of abuse, including McMahon using dildos named after WWE wrestlers on her and forcing himself on her on multiple occasions.
The lawsuit further claims McMahon ceased payments agreed upon in a $3 million settlement with Grant in 2022, leading Grant to argue that the agreement is now void.
The WWE board became aware of McMahon’s relationship with Grant following an anonymous tip-off in 2022, leading to an internal investigation that uncovered $14.6 million in alleged payments by McMahon to other women.
A spokesperson for McMahon has denounced the lawsuit as “replete with lies” and vowed that he will vigorously defend himself against the allegations.
