“The truth will come out,” vows John Laurinaitis’ lawyer.
On Thursday, January 25th, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against now ex-TKO Executive Chairman Vince McMahon and former Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis, alleging sex trafficking and sexual assault in graphic detail.
Earlier today, VICE News reached out to Edward Brennan, an attorney in the Tampa area, to confirm that he represents Laurinaitis. Brennan confirmed that this is the case and then went on to add as an aside that his client denies the allegations, noting that he believes Laurinaitis himself is a victim of McMahon.
“Mr. Laurinaitis denies the allegations in the misguided complaint and will be vigorously defending these charges in Court, not the media. Like the Plaintiff, Mr. Laurinaitis is a victim in this case, not a predator. The truth will come out.”
-Edward Brennan
VICE News then sought to clarify that Brennan was indeed suggesting that McMahon was the predator and that Laurinaitis, like Grant, was a victim.
Brennan wrote back with the following, claiming that McMahon exerted control over both Grant and his client.
“Read the allegations. Read the Federal Statute. Power, control, employment supervisory capacity, dictatorial sexual demands with repercussions if not met. Count how many times in the complaint Vince exerts control over both of them.”
-Edward Brennan
Per the report, TKO, WWE’s parent company, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Brennan’s statement. A spokesperson for Grant’s lawyer, Ann Callis, is also said to have declined to comment.
Those looking to read Janel Grant’s lawsuit in full can do so here, although this comes with a trigger warning, as some of the details included may disturb readers.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on the allegations facing both McMahon and Laurinaitis as soon as we hear more.
