A former WWE executive, John Laurinaitis, who had been embroiled in a lawsuit concerning sexual abuse allegations made by ex-employee Janel Grant, has agreed to a confidential settlement. Laurinaitis, also known for his wrestling name Johnny Ace, will now assist Grant as she pursues legal action against WWE and its former leader, Vince McMahon. This development was confirmed by representatives for both Laurinaitis and Grant on Wednesday.
Grant’s representatives indicated that Laurinaitis possesses “evidence” against McMahon and WWE, although specific details were not disclosed. A joint statement from Laurinaitis’ lawyer, Edward Brennan, and Grant’s team described the settlement as a crucial step towards accountability for McMahon and the WWE in regard to the alleged abuse and trafficking endured by Grant over the years. The statement emphasized Laurinaitis’ desire to move forward with his life but provided no further information regarding the settlement.
As part of the legal proceedings, a court document filed on the same day noted that Grant and Laurinaitis mutually agreed to dismiss the claims against Laurinaitis while leaving the allegations against the WWE and McMahon intact. McMahon's lawyer, Jessica Rosenberg, responded to the settlement by asserting that the dismissal of Laurinaitis from the lawsuit does not change the factual circumstances of the case. She maintained that McMahon did not mistreat Grant and characterized the lawsuit as a distortion of the truth.
In her lawsuit, Grant accuses McMahon, Laurinaitis, and WWE of severe sexual misconduct, positing that McMahon coerced her into sexual acts involving both him and Laurinaitis and asserting that she sustained sexual assault from both men. The lawsuit presents disturbing details, including allegations of humiliating acts during these encounters and includes purported sexual texts sent to Grant by McMahon.
McMahon, who previously served as WWE’s CEO and chairman, has denied Grant’s allegations, describing the lawsuit as filled with falsehoods and vengeful fabrications. He has expressed determination to defend himself vigorously against these claims. His legal team has asserted that any interactions he had with Grant were consensual and that he never inflicted harm upon her.
Grant began her career at WWE in 2019 as an entry-level employee working in the legal department, a position facilitated by McMahon, before moving to the talent relations department where Laurinaitis was her superior. She claims that she faced pressure to leave her job and ultimately signed a $3 million nondisclosure agreement. The lawsuit furthermore seeks to invalidate this agreement, alleging that McMahon breached its terms by making partial payment and failing to settle the remaining amount.
Pending in court are motions from McMahon, WWE, and Laurinaitis to transfer all claims to arbitration. They argue that Grant should be compelled to arbitrate any disputes as stipulated in her nondisclosure agreement. McMahon resigned from his roles at WWE in January 2024, coinciding with the filing of Grant’s lawsuit, stepping down from his position as executive chair of the board of directors at TKO Group Holdings, WWE's parent company.
Previously, in 2022, McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO amidst an investigation related to allegations that echo those in Grant's lawsuit. McMahon acquired the then-World Wrestling Federation in 1982 and played a pivotal role in amplifying its reach from a regional entity to an internationally recognized sports entertainment giant. He has been active in the company alongside his wife, Linda McMahon, who is currently serving as the U.S. Secretary of Education, and has also appeared as a performer at WWE events.
