Janel Grant Makes New Request As Vince McMahon Lawsuit Reaches Crucial Stage
The legal wrangling between Janel Grant and WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis continues.
Janel Grant’s legal team has asked that the lawsuit against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE be moved into discovery. This would see both sides forced to turn over documents and other evidence.
Grant and her team are looking to gain access to WWE communication records and documents related to McMahon’s payments to several women. She has also requested WWE’s policies on sexual harassment.
In the original and updated lawsuit, Janel Grant alleges she was sex trafficked as well as being sexually abused. In the amended suit, Grant claims McMahon offered Brock Lesnar sexual encounters with her during contract negotiations.
As such, Grant’s team has asked for travel records submitted by McMahon, Laurinaitis, and Lesnar.
The new filing notes that Grant is seeking access to documents relating to anyone who has worked for WWE previously.
“… may include any subsidiary and/or current or former executive, employee, contractor, agent, and/or similarly situated personnel of WWE, TKO, and/or Endeavor Group Holdings.”
The decision over whether the request is granted lies with Judge Sarah F. Russell.
Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, WWE Look To Block Move
In response, Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE are trying to resist the move, claiming it’s premature. Despite the new push from Grant and her team, their stance on the case remains unchanged. The defendants continue to argue that the lawsuit should be sent to private arbitration rather than presided over in public court.
McMahon, Laurinaitis, and WWE argue that moving into discovery would be a waste of time and money if the case is later moved into arbitration. Paul Weiss, acting on behalf of WWE cited local rules in Connecticut federal court which allow for discovery to be delayed until a decision is taken regarding arbitration.
In a statement issued to POST Wrestling, Kendra Barkoff-Lamy acting as a spokesperson for Grant paid tribute to her client’s continued courage.
“Janel Grant’s courage continues to be an inspiration to so many. Her filing today seeks to move forward with her pursuit of justice and accountability against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE for the horrific sex trafficking and abuse inflicted upon her.”
However, before either decision is taken, Judge Russell is expected to rule on whether the updated lawsuit filed by Grant in January will become the operative complaint moving forward.