WWE has a long history of controversies throughout company history, including some that may have been lost to time for a while. The ring boy scandal saw a bit of a spotlight as part of the Mr. McMahon Netflix docuseries, but now it is also appearing in a new lawsuit against Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon.
In a new legal development, law firms DiCello Levitt and Murphy, Falcon & Murphy have filed a lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment, Vincent K. McMahon, Linda McMahon, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. on behalf of five survivors of sexual abuse, identified in the suit as John Does 1-5. The lawsuit alleges that these survivors, referred to as Ring Boys within WWE, were subjected to systemic sexual abuse while working for the wrestling organization in their youth.
The lawsuit centers on allegations against WWEs former ringside announcer and ring crew chief, Melvin Phillips Jr., who, according to the plaintiffs, exploited and sexually abused underaged boys hired to assist with tasks during WWE events. The abuse, as detailed in the lawsuit, occurred at various locations, including wrestling venues and hotel rooms, where Phillips would transport the boys under the pretense of work-related errands. The plaintiffs claim that WWE management, including Vince McMahon and Linda McMahon, were aware of this abuse and failed to take any action to prevent or stop it.
Greg Gutzler, a partner at DiCello Levitt and the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, stated, Thanks to the bravery of our clients, we finally have a chance to hold accountable those who allowed and enabled the open, rampant sexual abuse of these young boys. That so many were aware of the sexual abuse of the Ring Boys and did nothing to prevent or stop it is simply unconscionable.
The survivors, now adults, have only recently become aware of the extent of knowledge that WWE executives, including the McMahons, allegedly had about the abuse. The lawsuit suggests that the recent changes in WWEs corporate structure, including the acquisition by TKO Group Holdings and Vince McMahons departure as CEO, have allowed these survivors to come forward without fear of retaliation. Additionally, shifts in sex abuse laws, particularly in Maryland, have paved the way for this lawsuit.
Mark DiCello, founding partner of DiCello Levitt, emphasized the significance of this case, stating, The WWE and McMahon had a responsibility to these underaged boys, and they failed them in the worst way possible. We will vigorously fight to uncover the truth about this systemic, insidious, and life-altering abuse. We commend our clients for their bravery in coming forward and promise to relentlessly seek justice for them.
Professor Marci Hamilton, founder and CEO of CHILD USA, a nonprofit advocating for childrens rights, praised the survivors for their courage, while also highlighting the pervasive nature of child sexual abuse. These survivors are profiles in courage. One-third of child sex abuse victims never come forward, silenced by shame, humiliation, and trauma, Hamilton said. She emphasized the importance of statute of limitations reform, noting that due to the Maryland window we fought for, these brave survivors can seek justice.
The case, filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, represents a critical moment in the fight for justice for those who have survived childhood sexual abuse. DiCello Levitt has a track record of representing survivors in high-profile abuse cases, including the civil suit against disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard.
The lawsuits outcome could have far-reaching implications for both WWE and the McMahons. We will keep our eye on this story for more details as they are made known.
How do you expect this new lawsuit to playout? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
