Former WWE chairman Vince McMahon is facing serious allegations of sex trafficking and sexual assault, stemming from accusations made by ex-employee Janel Grant, which have triggered a federal investigation.
The situation intensified with Netflix’s release of the documentary series Mr. McMahon, which delves into McMahon’s controversial career.
Now, additional legal troubles are mounting for McMahon and WWE.
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A recent lawsuit has been filed against McMahon, WWE, TKO, and co-founder Linda McMahon, claiming that they “permitted an abusive environment for underage boys working with WWE.”
This lawsuit highlights the case of the “Ring Boys,” underage workers hired by former ring announcer Melvin Phillips Jr. to assist with various tasks during events.
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The suit was brought to the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, MD, by attorneys from DiCello Levitt and Murphy, Falcon & Murphy.
It alleges that the underaged Ring Boys were “groomed, exploited, and sexually abused” by Phillips, who preyed on children from troubled backgrounds. These abusive acts reportedly took place at wrestling venues, hotels, and other locations.
A new lawsuit has been filed today by former WWF ring boys against WWE, TKO, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon.
Press release from attorneys for the plaintiffs:
BALTIMORE, October 23, 2024—DiCello Levitt and Murphy, Falcon & Murphy filed a significant lawsuit today against World… pic.twitter.com/nMQpL2hxZg
— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) October 23, 2024
The lawsuit asserts that the defendants were well aware of the ongoing abuse yet chose to ignore it. The FBI previously identified at least ten Ring Boys who were victimized by Phillips, with many more presumed to have suffered in silence for years.
According to the plaintiffs (John Does 1-5), they have only recently come to understand the extent of the McMahons’ and WWE’s knowledge of their plight.
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“Thanks to our courageous clients, we finally have the opportunity to hold accountable those who allowed this rampant abuse to continue,” attorney Greg Gutzler stated. He added that it’s shocking that so many were aware of the Ring Boys’ abuse and did nothing.
“The WWE and the McMahons had a duty to protect these young boys and failed spectacularly. We are committed to uncovering the truth behind this deeply troubling situation,” emphasized Mark DiCello. “We applaud our clients for their courage and will tirelessly pursue justice on their behalf.”