Warning: This article contains descriptions of alleged sexual violence by John Laurinaitis and Vince McMahon that may not be suitable for all readers.
Former WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis has broken his silence for the first time since being named in a lawsuit by ex-WWE employee Janel Grant. The suit, which lists Laurinaitis, Vince McMahon, and WWE itself as the defendants, features a variety of horrific allegations against Laurinaitis including him sexually assaulting her alongside McMahon inside his office at WWE Headquarters and Grant being “expected” to engage sexually with him as part of her role in the company’s Talent Relations department.
VICE News recently reached out to Tampa-based attorney Edward Brennan, who is representing Laurinaitis in the case, and received a statement in response to the allegations made against him. Brennan, speaking in place of Laurinatis, denied the allegations and even claimed that the 61-year-old was also a victim of McMahon like Grant.
“Mr. Laurinaitis denies the allegations in the misguided complaint and will be vigorously defending these charges in Court, not the media. Like the Plaintiff, Mr. Laurinaitis is a victim in this case, not a predator. The truth will come out.”
When asked by VICE for clarification on his claim that Laurinaitis was a victim in the case, Brennan appeared to confirm that Grant’s allegations are, in fact, true – pointing out that McMahon exerted control over Laurinaitis similarly to how the former WWE Chairman did over Grant.
“Read the allegations. Read the Federal Statute. Power, control, employment supervisory capacity, dictatorial sexual demands with repercussions if not met. Count how many times in the complaint Vince exerts control over both of them.”
Laurinaitis’ stepdaughters, and WWE Hall of Famers, Nikki & Brie Garcia (formerly Bella) released a statement earlier this week in response to the allegations. While they did not address Laurinaitis being named in the suit, they expressed how “shocked and disheartened” they were to hear of the claims and stated that they did not condone the alleged actions.
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