TRIGGER WARNING - Sexual Abuse, Sex Trafficking
Janel Grant's lawyer Ann Callis and Kendra Barkoff Lamy of SKDK held a media briefing on September 19 to address the upcoming Vince McMahon docuseries on Netflix and Grant's case against McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis.
Callis gave opening remarks, stating, "Janel's story is an important one, and we hope Netflix's docuseries does it justice. Her experience is integral to an accurate and full re-telling of the story of the WWE and Mr. McMahon. While Janel didn't participate in the Netflix docuseries, we hope it shines a light on the abhorent actions of McMahon, frequently on the WWE property, and it portrays the realities of his abusive and exploitative behavior. Many of the stories in the last few months have not portrayed her in the way she deserves to portrayed as a survivor of human trafficking and sexual abuse."
Callis stated that SKDK was brought on to support and help raise awareness. SKDK previously helped the survivors of Harvey Weinstein, Marilyn Manson, Jeffrey Epstein and the former employees of the Washington Commanders.
When asked if they anticipated more alleged targets of sexual misconduct to come forward, Callis said they did anticipate other victims coming forward, but with the status of the non-public investigation, they have not spoken to any current victims at WWE. She said they have every reason to believe that Janel was not the only woman subject to McMahon's abuse and that the media reported McMahon agreed to pay out $12 million to four women, all formerly affiliated with WWE in the last 16 years, to 'suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity.'
When asked if Grant's team had seen the documentary, Callis said they have not seen the documentary and said Janel deserves to tell her story, not someone else's.
Asked if they have heard from anyone in WWE, it was said that there was some initial outreach right after the lawsuit was filed. "Very brief. We have not heard anything or communicated since then."
Callis had no comment on what the federal government is doing. "I would like the charges to be brought expeditiously so the federal suit can resume."
Callis said that when Grant spoke to those in WWE about her treatment, she was met with hostilities and not support.
It was stated multiple times that Grant deserves to tell her own story and that she is not part of some WWE storyline.
Kendra closed by saying that Grant has experienced a lot of emotional trauma and is a victim of sex trafficking, asking everyone to keep that in mind when reporting on the story.
Grant, a former WWE employee, filed a lawsuit in January against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis. The lawsuit accuses McMahon of sexual assault and sex trafficking.
On May 30, Grant agreed to pause the lawsuit for six months while the federal investigation continued against McMahon.
Victim Resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline
Hours: Available 24 hours
1-800-656-4673
