In a plot twist more controversial than any WWE storyline, former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has spoken out about the upcoming Netflix docuseries “Mr. McMahon” and its portrayal of his involvement in the Janel Grant sex trafficking lawsuit. His verdict? Not favorable. McMahon claimed the series “takes the predictable path” in making him look like the villain. Spoiler alert: when you’re the subject of a lawsuit involving sex trafficking allegations, it’s pretty hard to spin yourself as the hero.
McMahon’s remarks, however, have triggered a fierce response from Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, who absolutely body-slammed his description of the allegations as an “affair.” You can almost hear the collective groan from here.
“Vince McMahon physically and emotionally abused, sexually assaulted, and human trafficked Janel Grant for more than two years,” Callis stated in a press release, clearly not pulling any punches. “Calling his horrific and criminal behavior ‘an affair’ is delusional and nothing more than a sad attempt to save his shredded reputation.”
Ouch. If McMahon thought he was delivering the final word on the subject, Callis just hit him with the legal equivalent of a steel chair to the back.
Though Grant hasn’t seen the Netflix series yet, Callis expressed hope that it won’t sugarcoat McMahon’s “abhorrent and criminal actions” but will instead “accurately portray” the dark realities behind the allegations. In other words, they’re hoping Netflix skips the “Vince is just misunderstood” edit.
And while McMahon might want you to keep an open mind as you binge-watch this six-episode drama dropping on September 25, Grant’s legal team has bigger fish to fry. Their sights are set on holding McMahon, WWE, and former WWE executive John Laurinaitis accountable. For those keeping score, Laurinaitis is also named in the lawsuit, because, apparently, this isn’t just a one-man show.
For now, the case is on pause, thanks to a Justice Department investigation, but Callis made it clear that her client won’t be backing down any time soon. Grant’s legal team is also fighting to void the non-disclosure agreement she signed with WWE, claiming it should be nullified under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. With a potential federal case looming, this legal battle is far from over.
So, buckle up, wrestling fans. This isn’t just a Netflix docuseries; it’s the ultimate showdown between Vince McMahon’s PR spin and some serious allegations.