Photo: Michael N. Todaro/Getty
Former WWE executiveVince McMahonreportedly paid $12 million to hide allegations of “sexual misconduct and infidelity” over the last 16 years, according to aWall Street Journalreport published Friday.
McMahon, 76, allegedly made the payments to four women who were formerly affiliated with the company,WSJreported, citing sources familiar with the agreements.
According to the outlet, a former WWE wrestler claimed McMahon coerced her into giving him oral sex, and declined to renew her contract in 2005 after she refused further sexual encounters.WSJsaid the unidentified wrestler and her attorney negotiated a $7.5 million payment for her silence in 2018.
In a separate deal, a WWE contractor claimed McMahon sent her unsolicited nude photographs and allegedly sexually harassed her while on the job. McMahon reportedly paid her nearly $1 million in 2008.
McMahon allegedly made another $1 million payment in 2006 to a former WWE manager who claimed to have had a sexual relationship with him.
Representatives for McMahon and WWE did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Friday.
The allegations come three weeks after McMahon voluntarily stepped down from his position as WWE’s Chairman and CEO.
Vince McMahon.Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The company said McMahon would “retain his role and responsibilities” related to “creative content” despite stepping away from his position.
McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie, is now interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE. The pairattendedUFC 276 on Saturday.
She continued: “I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
