On February 1, 2025, Janel Grant’s legal team filed an amended complaint against former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), presenting new evidence supporting her allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking. This significant step follows her original lawsuit lodged back in January 2024, which had already led to McMahon’s resignation from his prominent position within the wrestling empire.
The amended complaint expands to 101 pages, up from the initial 67, and provides graphic details along with never-before-seen text messages and voice recordings purportedly from McMahon. These documents aim to substantiate Grant's claims, which include serious allegations of coercion and exploitation during her tenure with WWE.
According to Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, the new evidence casts disturbing light on the workplace culture cultivated under McMahon’s leadership. “Ms. Grant's amended complaint reveals new details, demonstrating the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis. It pulls back the curtain on the dangerous workplace culture McMahon created at WWE,” she said.
Among the shocking claims, Grant alleges McMahon attempted to traffic her to WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar during contract negotiations. Allegedly, McMahon instructed Grant to share explicit photos with Lesnar and shared graphic fantasies involving her with other men. One haunting text message described McMahon's fantasies about men surrounding Grant, leaving her “physically wrecked,” underscoring how he depicted her as mere property.
The complaint details instances where McMahon purportedly recorded Grant without her consent and even indicated he held exclusive power to arrange her sexual encounters. Such actions suggest not only personal misconduct but also point to systemic issues within WWE’s management and oversight.
Another painful element of the amended suit is Grant’s claim of being pressured to create pornographic content for WWE producer Michael Hayes, illustrating the alleged manipulation at play within the company’s inner circles. She contends she was coerced repeatedly to fulfill degrading demands all under the guise of her employment.
The amended complaint also highlights previously alleged sham investigations, which, according to Grant’s filing, failed to address her concerns. Reports of unprofessional behavior, including ineffective inquiries post allegations of misconduct against McMahon, reflect WWE’s negligence, according to Grant.
Equally alarming is the alleged involvement of other WWE executives, including Nick Khan, Stephanie McMahon, and Brad Blum, whose roles appear directly linked to the culture of harassment and negligence at WWE. Grant’s complaint now names these executives, which were previously referred to anonymously, asserting their knowledge of the abuse without intervening, instead treating Grant as a corporate liability.
Following these disclosures, McMahon’s legal representative, Jessica Rosenberg, dismissed the amended complaint, labeling it as part of “the latest publicity stunt” and stating it is “filled with desperate falsehoods from a team” disregarding the truth.
Despite such rebuttals from McMahon’s camp, Grant's renewed attempts to hold her alleged abusers accountable appear to gain momentum. Her legal team has expressed confidence about the strength of the case being built around this new evidence, advocating for justice through the courts, which they deem necessary to address the allegations of abuse.
Included within the amended filing is detailed evidence of McMahon’s alleged coercion attempts to finalize a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) swiftly before he faced scrutiny from WWE's board. This NDA, initially containing a $3 million payout, reportedly came together under extreme pressure, reflecting Grant's sense of being cornered.
Significantly, if it is proven Grant was coerced or manipulated during the signing of the NDA, the enforceability of its arbitration clause may be contested. Grant alleges such clauses can be voided under the circumstances of duress or deception.
Moving forward, the legal battle will continue to unravel as Judge Sarah F. Russell decides whether to accept the amendments. It will also determine whether the case, intertwined with complex issues of power dynamics, consent, and accountability, remains within the public court or must shift to private arbitration.
This situation marks another poignant chapter in the saga surrounding WWE and McMahon, raising questions about the industry's commitment to safe practices and the protections afforded to employees. For many, the spotlight on McMahon's dealings is long overdue, and cases like Grant's may open the floodgates for more voices seeking justice for abuse within powerful organizations.