The civil lawsuit filed by Janel Grant against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis is moving forward after a six-month stay expired this week. Initially paused to allow federal investigators time to conduct their probe into McMahon, the lawsuit and criminal investigation will now proceed in tandem.
Grant’s legal team wasted no time addressing the next steps, issuing a powerful statement about the case’s progression:
“We are pleased that prosecutors for the Southern District of New York have concluded that they can continue their criminal investigation while we bring forward new evidence in our civil case about the sexual exploitation carried out by Janel Grant’s abusers. For the last six months, Ms. Grant has patiently waited to hold Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE accountable for the sex trafficking and abuse she endured at the company on a near daily basis. Her wait is over, and we now look forward to sharing Ms. Grant’s story.”
A Long Road Ahead
Grant, a former WWE employee, initially filed the lawsuit in January, alleging sexual assault, trafficking, and a systemic cover-up involving McMahon and Laurinaitis. Both men have denied the accusations, but the case has placed the wrestling juggernaut under intense scrutiny.
The lawsuit also alleges that WWE executives were aware of the alleged misconduct but failed to act, raising serious questions about corporate accountability.
Complications in the SDNY Office
A new twist in the case is the impending resignation of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who has announced his departure as of December 13. Williams has been overseeing the federal investigation into McMahon, and his exit could disrupt progress on that front.
Grant’s legal team has urged Williams to prioritize prosecuting McMahon before leaving office, adding urgency to an already high-profile case. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Jay Clayton to replace Williams, but an Acting U.S. Attorney will handle the office in the interim.
What’s Next?
As both the civil lawsuit and federal investigation ramp up, WWE finds itself in uncharted territory. Grant’s case and its potential implications for WWE leadership could reshape the company’s future—and its public image—for years to come.