Report: WWE CEO Paid $12M in Hush Money

JUL 8 2022·Updated AUG 11 2022

Story

Image credit: WWE [via Forbes]

The Facts

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) CEO Vince McMahon reportedly paid over $12M in hush money to four women over the past 16 years regarding allegations of sexual harassment and infidelity.
wsj
According to the Wall Street Journal, one payment in 2018 was $7.5M to a former wrestler who claimed McMahon coerced her into sexual relations and then demoted her until her contract expired when she refused to further engage.
New York Post
In 2008, he allegedly paid $1M to a former contractor following allegations of sexual harassment, while he reportedly paid a manager $1M in 2006.
Forbes
The fourth woman, a paralegal, was reportedly given $3M in Jan. to keep quiet about an alleged affair with McMahon, and an additional $1.5M regarding an affair she had with WWE executive John Laurinaitis.
wsj
McMahon has agreed to step down as CEO while the investigation is ongoing, though he will continue to appear as his character at matches. His daughter, Stephanie, will serve as interim CEO and chairwoman.
CNN

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

McMahon has historically gotten away with a lot and strategically remained in charge of WWE business affairs despite a string of allegations. The latest news of sexual misconduct, however, could prove that his power and luck are running out.

Forbes

Narrative B

Even with these recent allegations, the decision to resign is still in McMahon's hands. His disproportionate voting power among WWE shareholders means he can't really be voted out; unless overwhelming outside public pressure forces him to step down, he could be here to stay.