30 Facts About Janel Grant

Janel Grant's Professional Background

Janel Grant's journey in the wrestling world began with her role at WWE. Her professional experiences and the subsequent legal battle have brought her into the spotlight.

1. Professional Background: Janel Grant worked in WWE's legal and talent departments from 2019 to 2022. Her role involved handling various legal matters and working closely with the talent.

2. Lawsuit Against Vince McMahon: In January 2024, Grant filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis. She accused them of sexual assault and sex trafficking, shaking the wrestling industry.

3. Allegations: The lawsuit claims Grant faced physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking while employed at WWE. It also alleges McMahon coerced her into sexual relationships with other wrestlers.

Personal Struggles and Career Beginnings

Janel's personal life was marked by significant hardships, which played a role in her career path and interactions with Vince McMahon.

4. Personal Circumstances: During her time at WWE, Grant was dealing with the loss of both parents and unemployment. She had also lost her family home due to her parents' bankruptcy.

5. Career Advice and Employment: Neighbors in her building provided career advice and sought her help with personal events. These non-paying roles and volunteer work in community initiatives helped her build her resume.

Vince McMahon's Initial Contact and Promises

Vince McMahon's initial interactions with Janel Grant were filled with promises and gifts, which later turned into demands and control.

6. McMahon's Initial Contact: The Resident Manager of Grant's building messaged McMahon, asking if he would talk to her. McMahon enthusiastically responded, “Hell Yes!!”.

7. Promises and Gifts: McMahon befriended Grant, giving her hopes of a new life with promises of a role at WWE. He showered her with attention, assurances, and gifts like a VIP experience at WrestleMania.

8. Sexual Demands: Grant alleges McMahon ordered her to engage in sexual activity at WWE headquarters, even during working hours. He also instructed her to keep their relationship secret unless otherwise instructed.

Isolation, Control, and Acts of Cruelty

McMahon's control over Grant extended to her personal and professional life, leading to acts of extreme cruelty.

9. Isolation and Control: McMahon attempted to isolate Grant from her friends and chipped away at her identity. He exercised complete ownership and control over both her personal and professional lives.

10. Acts of Cruelty: Grant was subjected to acts of extreme cruelty and degradation, causing her to disassociate and become numb to reality to survive the horrific encounters.

Key Events and Legal Action

Several key events and legal actions have marked Janel Grant's journey, leading to significant changes within WWE.

11. Meeting with WWE Corporate Officer: On April 1, 2019, Grant met with WWE Corporate Officer No. 2 at WWE Headquarters. The officer hardly asked any questions, promising to be in touch again after WrestleMania.

12. Text Messages with McMahon: Later that day, Grant texted McMahon enthusiastically describing her meeting with the corporate officer. She also commented on a dinosaur skull in McMahon’s office, prompting his response, “btw if Ur a BAD girl the T-rex will eat U”.

13. VIP Experience at WrestleMania: Grant attended WrestleMania as McMahon's guest, along with the Resident Manager. This event was part of McMahon's efforts to build a relationship with Grant and make her feel valued.

14. Legal Action: In January 2024, Grant officially filed her lawsuit against McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis. The lawsuit was mentioned in the Netflix documentary series "Mr. McMahon," but Grant declined an interview when contacted.

Media Coverage and Public Response

The media coverage and public response to Grant's allegations have been significant, with various statements and support from the wrestling community.

15. Netflix Documentary Series: The six-part documentary series "Mr. McMahon" focuses on Vince McMahon's life and career. Most interviews took place before the allegations of hush money and sexual misconduct were reported in June 2022.

16. Ann Callis' Statement: Ann Callis, Grant's lawyer, stated, “The ‘Mr. McMahon’ docuseries makes it clear there is no difference between Vince McMahon’s on-air persona and his true self. His character is the real Vince McMahon and exactly what Janel Grant experienced behind closed doors at WWE for years.”.

17. McMahon's Response: Vince McMahon released a statement on the documentary, claiming it falls short and takes the predictable path of conflating the "Mr. McMahon" character with his true self. He accused the producers of using typical editing tricks to distort viewers' perception.

18. Ann Callis' Response to McMahon's Statement: Ann Callis responded, emphasizing that the documentary only scratches the surface of McMahon's criminal behavior and fails to tell the full story of his abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking of Ms. Grant.

Legal Representation and Investigation

The legal representation and investigation into the allegations have been crucial in the ongoing battle for justice.

19. PR Firm Representation: Janel Grant is represented by public relations firm The Agency Group (TAG), with Carolina Hurley as one of the prominent agents working with her during the lawsuit. Hurley formerly worked in the White House during Donald Trump’s presidential administration.

20. Trump Connection: The connection between Trump and the McMahon family dates back to the 1980s, with significant interactions during WrestleMania events in Atlantic City. Trump also participated in on-screen storylines with Vince McMahon in WWE in 2007 and 2009.

21. Investigation and Legal Proceedings: The lawsuit has led to a federal investigation into the allegations against McMahon. Grant agreed to put her lawsuit on hold at the request of the Justice Department. An Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Southern District of New York was added with a notice of appearance in the case.

Support and Public Scrutiny

Despite facing harsh treatment and criticism, Grant has received support from the wrestling community and has had to endure public scrutiny.

22. Support from the Wrestling Community: Despite facing harsh treatment and criticism, Grant has received support from the wrestling community. Many have praised her bravery in speaking out against powerful figures and have urged all survivors of sexual harassment, assault, and human trafficking to reach out for support.

23. Public Scrutiny and Media Coverage: Grant has had to endure additional mistreatment connected to her past experiences under the scrutiny of the public eye and cameras. This has included negative comments and criticism from some individuals who question her motives or credibility.

24. Victim Resources: To support survivors of sexual assault and trafficking, resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) are available 24 hours a day.

WWE's Response and McMahon's Resignation

WWE's response to the allegations and McMahon's resignation have been significant steps in addressing the issues raised by Grant.

25. WWE's Response: WWE and its parent company TKO have assured the press that they have taken Grant’s allegations very seriously. Both companies are cooperating with the federal investigation and have expressed their commitment to addressing any wrongdoing within their organization.

26. McMahon's Resignation: The scandal surrounding Grant’s allegations led to Vince McMahon's resignation from WWE and TKO Group Holdings. This move was seen as a significant step towards addressing the issues raised by Grant and other victims.

Financial Reporting and Legal Representation

The investigation into WWE’s financial reporting and McMahon's legal representation have played crucial roles in the ongoing case.

27. Investigation Findings: The investigation into WWE’s financial reporting uncovered that $5 million in payments made to the Trump Foundation, like the payments for NDAs, should have been accounted for in WWE’s financial statements. This led to WWE correcting its financial reporting with the SEC.

28. Legal Representation: McMahon’s public relations representative is Michael Sitrick from Sitrick And Company, while his attorney in the Grant lawsuit is Jessica T. Rosenberg from the Kasowitz Benson Torres firm.

Ongoing Legal Battle and Bravery

The ongoing legal battle and Grant's bravery in speaking out have been central to her story.

29. Ongoing Legal Battle: The case remains ongoing, with Grant’s lawsuit on hold pending the federal investigation. The Southern District of New York is leading the investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving McMahon.

30. Bravery and Courage: Janel Grant’s decision to speak out against Vince McMahon and WWE has been hailed as courageous. Her bravery in pursuing justice not only for herself but also for others who have faced similar experiences serves as an inspiration to many survivors of sexual harassment, assault, and human trafficking.

Janel Grant's Courageous Stand

Janel Grant's story is a powerful testament to resilience and bravery. Her lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE has shed light on serious issues within the wrestling industry. From her difficult personal circumstances to the shocking allegations of abuse and trafficking, Grant's journey has been anything but easy. Yet, she continues to fight for justice, not just for herself but for all victims of sexual harassment and assault. Her case has led to significant changes, including McMahon's resignation and a federal investigation. Grant's courage in speaking out serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us of the importance of accountability and support for survivors. As the legal battle continues, it's crucial to stand by Grant and others who have faced similar horrors, ensuring their voices are heard and justice is served.