WWE CEO Vince McMahon reportedly settled with former employee after alleged affair
WWE's board is investigating a secret settlement between CEO Vince McMahon and a former employee with whom he allegedly had an affair, according to a bombshell new report.
The wrestling company's board is probing a $3 million agreement from January 2022 barring the woman from discussing her alleged relationship with McMahon, The Wall Street Journal reported — and the board has reportedly turned up other nondisclosure agreements with female former employees who accused McMahon and John Laurinaitis, WWE head of talent relations, of misconduct.
The former employee was allegedly hired as a paralegal with a salary of $100,000, but her salary was doubled after McMahon began a sexual relationship with her, a person describing herself as a friend of the woman reportedly told the board in a series of emails. McMahon "gave her like a toy" to Laurinaitis, the friend alleged, also claiming she was "so scared so she quit" after McMahon and his lawyer paid her "millions of dollars to shut up."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A WWE spokesperson told the Journal the relationship was consensual. McMahon's attorney said the former employee hasn't accused him of harassment and that WWE "did not pay any monies" to her "on her departure." McMahon allegedly used personal funds to pay the agreements.
WWE's board of directors consists of 12 members, including McMahon's daughter, Stephanie McMahon, and her husband, Paul Levesque. Earlier this year, Stephanie McMahon announced she would take a leave of absence from her role as chief brand officer to "focus on my family."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Will Trump (and Bernie) cut credit card rates?
Talking Points Common ground is possible. But there's a catch.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Live in a warm climate? Remember to pack these cold weather necessities for your next winter vacation
The Week Recommends Pack accordingly to avoid freezing during your travels
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'This quasi-coup attempt has baffled most experts'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Bitcoin surges above $100k in post-election rally
Speed Read Investors are betting that the incoming Trump administration will embrace crypto
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Enron mystery: 'sick joke' or serious revival?
Speed Read 23 years after its bankruptcy filing, the Texas energy firm has announced its resurrection
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US charges Indian tycoon with bribery, fraud
Speed Read Indian billionaire Gautam Adani has been indicted by US prosecutors for his role in a $265 million scheme to secure solar energy deals
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Boeing machinists approve contract, end strike
Speed Read The company's largest union approved the new contract offer, ending a seven-week strike
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US economy still strong in final preelection report
Speed Read It grew at a solid 2.8% annual rate from July through September
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Boeing machinists reject deal, continue strike
Speed Read The rejection came the same day Boeing reported a $6.2 billion quarterly loss
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ports reopen after dockworkers halt strike
Speed Read The 36 ports that closed this week, from Maine to Texas, will start reopening today
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Empty-nest boomers aren't selling their big homes
Speed Read Most Americans 60 and older do not intend to move, according to a recent survey
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published