WWE's Vince McMahon sexual misconduct scandal: Everything you need to know

Vince McMahon He was the CEO and Chairman of the Board World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Before stepping down “voluntarily” for decades.

McMahon confirmed this in June 2022 He was resigning from his post When the company investigated the misconduct claims against him.

“I have pledged my full cooperation to the Special Committee's investigation, and I will do my best to support the investigation,” he said in a statement at the time. “I am committed to accepting the outcome of the investigation and whatever the outcome may be.”

A few hours later, McMahon open SmackDown Live with great fanfare. “It's a privilege to stand here before you tonight, the WWE Universe,” he said during the June 17, 2022 broadcast. “I'm here just to remind you of the four words we just saw that we call our WWE signature. These four words are: then, now, forever, and the most important word together. welcome SmackDown!”

Amid McMahon's departure from the WWE executive suite, federal law enforcement officials have continued Complaint investigation. The former pro athlete has not yet been charged with a crime.

About two years later, McMahon faced a second misconduct scandal while a former WWE employee Accused him January 2024 case of sexual assault, trafficking and abuse. He denied all claims before resigning from WWE's parent company, the TKO Group.

Keep reading for a breakdown of McMahon's misconduct scandal:

What was Vince McMahon accused of?

Days before McMahon resigned from his WWE post, The Wall Street Journal reported that he paid a former employee a $3 million settlement after an alleged affair. He has not publicly addressed the allegations.

In January 2024, the former WWE worker Janell Grant A lawsuit accuses McMahon of sexual assault, trafficking and abuse.

How did Vince McMahon react to the scandal?

McMahon stepped down as CEO and chairman of the board in June 2022, pledging in a statement to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and “accept the findings and findings.” He eventually returned as a board member six months later in January 2023, agreeing to reimburse WWE for any expenses related to the investigation. According to a SEC McMahon has since paid about $17.4 million to cover expenses, the statement said the following August.

Regarding the 2024 lawsuit, McMahon has vehemently denied all claims.

“This case is full of lies, obscene fabrications that never happened and vindictive distortions of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself,” said a spokesperson for McMahon our weekly in a statement

Who replaced Vince McMahon as CEO of WWE?

McMahon's daughter, Stephanie McMahonAppointed interim CEO and chairwoman in her father's absence.

“I love this company and am committed to working with independent directors to strengthen our culture and our company; It is very important to me that we have A safe and collaborative workplace” Stephanie said in a statement at the time. “I am committed to doing everything in my power to help the special committee complete its work, including marshalling the cooperation of the entire company to help complete the investigation and implement its findings.”

Is Vince McMahon still involved in WWE operations?

Chief Creative Officer Triple H (real name Paul Levesque), who is married to StephanieOne is published during August 2023 press conference For WWE Summer Slam That Vince is not currently working with the WWE creative team.

“As far as contribution, I just have to say this. The reason the WWE is what it is … you can make an argument — a very valid one — that if it wasn't for Vince and his vision for this business, it wouldn't be here anymore,” Triple H said at the time. “There were things back then, in those days. , which were so popular … that they disappeared from the face of the planet. What he did changed the business, changed everything. There is no big mind in the business.”

He continued: “At this time, if we all don't find timely moments to ask him for advice on thoughts or ideas or if we have a question to ask him, we would be fools not to do so. . . . Who knows more about this, or has forgotten about it, and does not use it in any way? No If there is, then he is has earned the right to be able to.”

Vince officially resigned In January 2024 from his position as executive chairman of TKO Group, the parent company of WWE.

“Out of respect for the WWE Universe, the incredible TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all the employees and superstars who have helped make WWE a global leader, I have decided to resign from my position. Executive Chairmanship and TKO Board of Directors, effective immediately,” he said in a statement our “I stand by my earlier statement that Ms. Grant's case is a false, obscenely fabricated example that never happened and is a vindictive distortion of the truth. I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless allegations and look forward to clearing my name.”

Did Vince McMahon cooperate with the federal investigation?

Several days before Triple H's comments about Vince's lack of day-to-day involvement in the media brand, the SEC A search warrant is executed and a subpoena issued To both Vince and WWE. According to CNNUS federal agents have requested copies of certain documents. Vince did not address the warrant or subpoena.

How is the Hush Money payment settled?

In January 2024, McMahon WWE agreed to pay a $400,000 civil penalty while paying $1.3 million in restitution. McMahon was not forced to admit or deny the SEC's findings.

McMahon released a statement through x Immediately after the announcement of settlement.

“Case closed,” McMahon wrote. “Today concludes a nearly three-year investigation by various government agencies. There has been much speculation as to exactly what the government was investigating and what the outcome would be. As today's resolution shows, much of that speculation was misguided and misleading.”

He continued, “Ultimately, it was nothing more than a minor accounting error in some personal payments several years ago when I was CEO of WWE. I'm thrilled that I can now put all of this behind me.”

McMahon's statement is a bit of a misnomer, but Grant's civil case will still move forward in light of the settlement.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, get in touch National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).