With Vince McMahon’s sexual assault and human trafficking case still ongoing, the former WWE chairman is now facing a separate complaint alleging he ignored sexual abuse within the company.
On Wednesday, a lawsuit was filed in Maryland against WWE, McMahon, WWE parent company TKO and Vince’s wife Linda McMahon, alleging negligence that allowed the group known as the “ring boys” to be “exploited and sexually abused” by a company employee.
The former WWE employee mentioned is Melvin Phillips Jr., who served as the company’s ring announcer and ring crew chief under McMahon’s leadership.
A statement from DiCello Levitt, who was part of the filing of the lawsuit, alleges that Phillips hired the underage boys to help with errands and other tasks in preparation for shows. The results would not only apply to those tasks.
“The underage Ring Boys were groomed, exploited and sexually abused by Phillips, who targeted children from broken homes. “His assaults occurred not only at the wrestling venues, but also in hotel rooms and other locations where Phillips shuttled the boys back and forth in plain sight,” the statement said.
Vince McMahon faces new lawsuit alleging negligence over sexual abuse by ‘ring boys’
Linda McMahon, who worked for the WWE from 1980 to 2009, was also charged in the filing.
“Defendants were fully aware of the systematic and widespread abuse and did nothing to prevent or stop it. The FBI has previously identified at least 10 Ring Boys abused by Phillips, but there are likely countless others who have suffered in silence for decades.”
The ‘ring boys’ lawsuit cites that the decision to come forward now coincides with information they learned from Vince McMahon’s lawsuit from Janel Grant, who claims McMahon sexually assaulted her while working for the company worked.
Grant’s accusations led to McMahon’s permanent removal from the professional wrestling industry. The release also cites “recent changes in sexual assault laws” that have allowed them to “pursue justice.”
Representatives for WWE and TKO have not publicly commented on the claims.
Jessica Rosenberg, McMahon’s attorney, said USA TODAY the allegations are “false claims” that stem from the original reporting of the abuse thirty years ago.
Grant also released a statement on the new lawsuit.
“The allegations in the ‘ring boys’ lawsuit against WWE are deeply disturbing. Vince McMahon made sexual abuse and human trafficking a hallmark of WWE culture for decades. Survivors like Janel Grant and other former WWE employees deserve their day in court.”
“All former WWE employees who experienced sexual abuse and harassment should be able to tell the truth by renouncing their non-disclosure agreements. Ms. Grant stands with all WWE survivors and believes that Mr. McMahon, WWE and all parties involved must be held accountable.”
Linda McMahon has not worked for the WWE since 2009.