WWE Established Consensual Relationship Policy In 2023
WWE established a new policy in 2023.
John Pollock and Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics report that WWE established a consensual relationship policy in 2023.
The policy is three pages long. The rules were adopted one year after allegations of sexual misconduct towards Vince McMahon came to light.
“An employee shall not exercise responsibility (instructional, evaluative, or supervisory) for any affiliated individual with whom the employee has or had a consensual relationship,” the policy states.
It contains some specific language about the company’s top executives.
“WWE strongly discourages consensual relationships involving any WWE Board Member, or executive team member, such as the CEO, President, CFO, Chief Content Officer, Chief Legal Officer, or Chief Human Resources Officer.”
On January 25, a lawsuit was filed against Vince McMahon, WWE and former executive John Laurinaitis by former employee Janel Grant. In the lawsuit, allegations of sex trafficking, emotional abuse, and sexual assault were brought against McMahon.
WWE President Nick Khan and WWE COO Brad Blum were revealed as Corporate Officer No. 1 and Corporate Officer No. 2 in the lawsuit. Stephanie McMahon was identified and confirmed as Corporate Officer No. 3. Brian Nurse, formerly general counsel and head of WWE’s legal department, was identified and confirmed as Corporate Officer No. 4.
WWE gave the following statement at the time:
“WWE takes Ms. Grant’s allegations very seriously and has no tolerance for any physical abuse or unwanted physical contact. Neither Nick Khan nor Brad Blum, prior to the lawsuit being filed on January 25, 2024, were aware of any allegation by Ms. Grant that she was the victim of abuse or unwanted physical contact; nor does the complaint allege that either had knowledge of such.”
Vince McMahon resigned at TKO Executive Chairman on January 26 and has denied the allegations.
The lawsuit describes, in graphic detail, Grant’s account of her interactions with McMahon. Readers can view the lawsuit, which comes with a trigger warning, by clicking here.
