 |
| (L-R) - Janel Grant and Vince McMahon McMahon - Photo by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominique A. Pineiro |
The civil lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE from former employee Janel Grant has received a new deadline from a judge. United States District Judge Sarah F. Russell of Connecticut has made significant rulings in Grant's ongoing lawsuit.
In a decision that denied Grant's request for a status conference, Judge Russell confirmed that the legal stay on the case—which had been in place from June to December 2024—has officially ended. The ruling means Grant has until January 31 to file an amended complaint, incorporating any new arguments or information she deems necessary.
Grant's lawsuit, first filed in January 2024, accuses McMahon and Laurinaitis of sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, and sex trafficking, with WWE being held liable for enabling the alleged misconduct by top executives who were reportedly aware of the relationship between Grant and McMahon.
However, the judge rejected this motion for now, allowing the case to proceed in court. The court will revisit the arbitration question after Grant files her amended complaint. If Grant fails to meet the January 31 deadline, the issue of arbitration will be reconsidered.
The SEC charged McMahon with failing to disclose two settlement agreements totaling $10.5 million, which were made with women who had accused him of sexual misconduct.
The SEC's action has led Grant's attorneys to claim that McMahon's actions further demonstrate the illegal nature of the NDA he allegedly coerced Grant into signing.
Grant's legal team is arguing that recent developments in McMahon's legal troubles—particularly his settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—highlight the need to amend their complaint.
Case Summary
Case No. 3:24-cv-00090
- Relief – NDA Voided Under Speak Out Act, 42 U.S.C. § 19401 et seq. Against McMahon and WWE
- NegligenceAgainst WWE
- Declaratory Relief – NDA Voided Under Common LawAgainst McMahon and WWE
- Violation of TVPA, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591, 1595 Against McMahon and Laurinaitis
- Participating in Venture in Violation of TVPA, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591, 1595 Against WWE
- Civil Battery Against Laurinaitis and WWE
- Civil BatteryAgainst McMahon and WWE
- Intentional or Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress Against McMahon and WWE
- Intentional or Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress Against Laurinaitis and WWE
- Declaratory judgment that the NDA is void and unenforceable, and does not bar any of Plaintiff’s claims against Defendants McMahon and WWE;
- Judgment for compensatory damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and punitive damages against Defendants pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1595 and other applicable laws; and
- Such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.