The allegations came to light in a lawsuit filed by a former WWE staffer, Janel Grant, who worked at the headquarters of the wrestling behemoth McMahon founded.
McMahon has denied the allegations and said he is prepared to defend himself in court. But, in a statement Friday, McMahon said that he has resigned.
Reports that McMahon had paid out settlements to multiple women while serving as WWE’s CEO and chairman have been circulating since at least 2022, but the lawsuit, filed by Grant Thursday, sheds new light on the extent of McMahon’s alleged misconduct.
In the lawsuit, Grant alleged that McMahon dangled a job offer at WWE – and later promotions – in exchange for sex. Grant’s lawsuit also alleges that McMahon trafficked her to other men inside and outside the company, including John Laurinaitus, who worked in the company’s talent relations department and is also named as a defendant in the suit.
TKO remains silent on allegations
TKO Group Holdings has not commented on the allegations. In an email to staff, obtained by CNN, WWE president Nick Khan said simply that McMahon tendered his resignation from his executive chairman and board member positions.
“He will no longer have a role with TKO Group Holdings or WWE,” Khan wrote in his email.
On Thursday, after Grant’s allegations were made public in a lawsuit, the company said, “McMahon does not control TKO or oversee day-to-day operations at WWE.”
McMahon’s second resignation
McMahon’s exit marks another turning point for the wrestling entertainment company he created more than 40 years ago.
He initially retired from his role as CEO and chairman of WWE in July 2022 amid allegations of sexual misconduct. At the time, WWE announced a special committee would investigate McMahon.