Linda McMahon Files Motion To Dismiss Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Lawyers for Linda McMahon have filed a new court motion.
On October 23rd, 2024, it was announced that a new lawsuit had been filed against Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon, WWE, and TKO. The suit alleges that those named were complicit in the sexual exploitation of children by former ring announcer and ring crew chief Melvin Phillips Jr.
The suit claims that the boys were “groomed, exploited, and sexually abused” by Phillips.
It’s alleged that McMahon and others were “fully aware” of the abuses suffered by the “ring boys” who often did odd jobs for the company in preparation for shows.
Linda McMahon Files New Motion
In a new motion filed on April 7, Linda McMahon argued that the lawsuit should be dismissed as she has no significant connection to Maryland where the suit was originally filed.
As noted by POST Wrestling, McMahon’s legal team argues that she may have held a license relating to wrestling events in Maryland in 2004, and rented an apartment in the state from 1970 to 1972. However, these represent only loose connections.
In a written declaration, McMahon denied any knowledge of the allegations before the latest allegations were made. This is despite the claims being in the public arena since the early 1990s. She also sought to distance herself from Phillips and his former role with WWE.
“Until this lawsuit, I was unaware of their allegations against me or anyone else named in the complaint…
I never personally supervised Phillips while he was employed by WWE, nor did I direct his activities. Phillips never acted as my agent. If Phillips traveled to Maryland and committed acts of sexual abuse while in Maryland, it was certainly not at my direction nor with my knowledge.
I never personally employed any ‘Ring Boys,’ as that term is defined in the Complaint.”
On March 3, Linda McMahon was officially confirmed as the United States Secretary of Education. She previously served as administrator of the Small Business Administration during President Trump’s first term in office.
Meanwhile, in March 2025, Janel Grant’s legal team requested that the lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis be moved into discovery. This would force both sides to turn over documents and other evidence.
Grant’s suit, which was originally filed in January 2024 contains allegations of sex trafficking and sexual abuse.