A major legal battle involving WWE, TKO Group Holdings, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon just took a major step forward. On February 4, law firm DiCello Levitt announced that the child sex abuse lawsuit filed against WWE and its executives will proceed, following the Maryland Supreme Courts decision to uphold the Child Victims Act.
This ruling removes the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse, meaning there is no longer a time limit preventing survivors from taking their cases to court. That decision is monumental for the lawsuit filed by five former Ring Boysunderaged workers for WWE (formerly WWF) in the 1980s and 1990swho allege that WWE and its leadership allowed and enabled their abuse by former ring announcer and ring crew chief Mel Phillips.
DiCello Levitt Partner Greg Gutzler, who is leading the case, issued a strong statement following the courts decision.
Gutzler didnt mince words about the impact this case could have.
The lawsuit, originally filed on October 23, 2024, alleges that Phillips groomed, exploited, and sexually abused the Ring Boysmany of whom came from broken homes. The abuse reportedly took place not only at wrestling venues but also in hotels and other locations where Phillips moved the boys around in plain sight. The suit claims that WWE executives knew about the systemic abuse and did nothing to stop it.
According to the FBI, at least 10 Ring Boys were identified as victims of Phillips, though attorneys believe the true number of survivors could be far greater. Since the lawsuit was filed, additional survivors have stepped forward.
With the Supreme Courts ruling now clearing the way, this case is moving full speed ahead. WWE has yet to comment, but this legal battle is far from over.
What are your thoughts on this lawsuit and the Maryland Supreme Courts ruling? Should other states follow Marylands lead in removing the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases? Share your thoughts in the comments.
