TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains mansions to sensitive topics such as sexual assault and misconduct.
Janel Grant has agreed to pause her lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis as the US government has entered a new filing in the suit.
Ann Callis, Grant's attorney, issued a statement confirming that Janel has consented to stay her case against McMahon for now, pursuant to the upcoming non-public investigation.
“Ms. Grant has consented to a request by the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York to stay her case against Mr. McMahon, WWE, and Mr. Laurinaitis, pursuant to a pending non-public investigation. We will cooperate with all appropriate next steps.”
It was reported in February by the Wall Street Journal that McMahon was under federal investigation for sexual assault and sex trafficking. Grant filed her lawsuit against McMahon, WWE, and Laurinaitis on January 25.
Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics also received a statement from McMahon's attorney stating, “We remain confident the evidence will prove Ms. Grant’s allegations are false and her complaint is nothing more than a fabricated, vindictive narrative from a disgruntled former girlfriend.”
Per a report from Bloomberg, this is a 6-month pause, according to people familiar with the case who asked not to be identified.
The court document notes that Sarah Mortazavi will be representing the US in the case.
APPEARANCE
To the Clerk of this Court and all parties of record: In addition to counsel already of record, please enter my appearance as counsel for the United States of America, Sarah Mortazavi, Assistant United States Attorney.
Respectfully submitted,
Damian Williams
United States Attorney/s/
Sarah Mortazavi
Assistant United States Attorney
United States Attorney’s Office
Southern District of New York
On May 13, Vince McMahon and his lawyers filed a new memorandum opposing Janel Grant's motion to strike McMahon's preliminary statement from the motion to compel arbitration concerning the lawsuit filed by Janel Grant in January. In the filing, McMahon denied claims made by Grant, including claims of sex trafficking, emotional abuse, and sexual assault.
Readers can find past information about the case by clicking here.
Victim Resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Hours: Available 24 hours
1-800-656-4673
