Janel Grant’s Legal Team Addresses Vince McMahon Documentary

Janel Grant’s legal team hasn’t seen the upcoming Vince McMahon documentary on Netflix.

In January, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE containing allegations of sex trafficking and sexual abuse. In the weeks after the allegations went public, McMahon left his role on the TKO Group board but continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, on September 25th, Netflix will premiere a new six-part docuseries looking at the life, career, and scandals of the disgraced former WWE boss. However, Grant won’t appear in the documentary.

On September 18th it was confirmed that Grant’s legal team had partnered Kendra Barkoff Lamy of the public relations and consulting firm SKDK. Barkoff Lamy has previously worked with survivors in several high-profile sexual assault cases.

Ahead of the release of the documentary Grant’s attorney Ann Callis, and Barkoff Lamy held a short press briefing to address the series and ongoing lawsuit.

Before taking questions Callis delivered the following opening statement.

“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.” (H/t to Fightful)

Callis also shared that Grant continues to suffer from PTSD and suicidal ideation, while she’s often unable to leave her home as a result of the alleged abuse.

There Are Likely More Victims Of Vince McMahon

As the briefing continued, Callis acknowledged the difficulties and complexities around the case, but noted “We want it to be right, not fast.” There is also a belief there are more victims out there, as there are reportedly four other nondisclosure agreements in place between McMahon and ex-WWE employees who have made claims of sexual assault.

When asked about the upcoming documentary more specifically, Grant’s team said they hadn’t seen it and refused to criticise the series. Instead, they again stated that Grant “deserves the opportunity to tell her own story in her own way at the right time.”

When asked whether there had been contact with WWE or former employees, Callis said there had been shortly after the lawsuit was filed, but it was only brief.

In closing, Callis reiterated that Grant “isn’t a WWE storyline.”

“Janel is a human being who deserves justice. She deserves her day in court. That’s our bottom line. She’s a victim and a survivor. She’s not a WWE storyline.”

Barkoff Lamy added a word of warning regarding the media’s coverage of Grant and her lawsuit.

“I think it’s really important to note the emotional trauma she’s experienced. And add [that to] your thinking about how you want to frame your stories and how you want to report on this in the future.”

Despite the allegations, Vince McMahon has received support from the likes of Mick Foley and Rikishi in recent days.

H/t to POST Wrestling