After Vince McMahon criticized the upcoming Netflix documentary series Mr. McMahon as “misleading,” Janel Grant’s lawyer responded, labeling the former WWE chairman as “delusional.”
Warning: some may find this content distressing.
Mr. McMahon, which premieres on Netflix tomorrow (September 25), explores the rise and fall of the wrestling mogul. Initially in development since 2020, the project shifted focus following sexual misconduct allegations against McMahon.
Many of the 200 hours of interviews were recorded prior to the emergence of the scandal, including those featuring McMahon himself. However, the docuseries also addresses the allegations and lawsuits involving McMahon, along with other instances of problematic behavior within WWE.
In the lead-up to its release, McMahon issued a statement regarding the new true crime series, claiming that the creators have crafted a “deceptive narrative” and insisted that “a lot has been misrepresented or omitted altogether to intentionally confuse viewers.”
“In an attempt to bolster their misguided portrayal, the producers use a lawsuit stemming from an affair I ended as proof that I am, in fact, ‘Mr. McMahon.’ I hope viewers will maintain an open mind and remember there are two sides to every story,” he concluded.
The “affair” McMahon refers to pertains to a lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, who accuses him of sexual abuse and trafficking during her tenure with the company.
Among the numerous shocking accusations are that “McMahon pressured Ms. Grant for a sexual relationship in exchange for promised employment at WWE,” recruited “individuals for sexual encounters with Ms. Grant, as well as with him,” and “defecated on Ms. Grant during a threesome.”
In May 2024, it was disclosed that Grant agreed to pause the lawsuit while a federal investigation is underway. Following McMahon’s comments about Mr. McMahon, Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, responded forcefully.
Ann Callis, attorney for Janel Grant, the former WWE employee and survivor of sexual assault and human trafficking, responded to @VinceMcMahon tonight: https://t.co/lAUIGBt6yp pic.twitter.com/rZNn19U9Zl
“Vince McMahon physically and emotionally abused, sexually assaulted, and human trafficked Janel Grant for more than two years. Referring to his appalling and criminal actions as ‘an affair’ is delusional and merely a desperate attempt to salvage his tarnished reputation,” she stated.
“Although Ms. Grant has not yet viewed the Mr. McMahon docuseries, we trust it will illuminate his reprehensible and criminal behavior by accurately depicting the reality of his abusive and exploitative actions.
“Ms. Grant will no longer be silenced by McMahon. Her story, despite being profoundly troubling and painful, is one that can empower other survivors of abuse to find their voices. We are determined to hold McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE accountable and to provide Ms. Grant her day in court.”
Mr. McMahon premieres on Netflix on Wednesday, September 25.
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