Linda McMahon, the nominee for education secretary under President-elect Donald J. Trump, is facing accusations in a recent lawsuit related to allegations of sexual abuse involving underage boys in the World Wrestling Entertainment (W.W.E.) organization in the 1980s and 1990s. The lawsuit, filed by five former “ring boys,” claims that they were sexually abused by a ringside announcer and ring crew chief, Melvin Phillips Jr., who worked for the company until his death in 2012. The lawsuit accuses McMahon, her husband Vince McMahon, W.W.E., and TKO Group Holdings of criminal negligence for allowing the abuse to continue.
The lawsuit alleges that the McMahons were aware of the abuse accusations against Phillips and other employees but did nothing to stop it. While the suit does not accuse Linda McMahon of sexual misconduct, it claims that the company’s leadership knew of the abuse and failed to prevent it. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit seek accountability for the abuse that they endured as young boys working for W.W.E.
The lawsuit has brought renewed attention to the long-standing issue of sexual abuse within the wrestling industry and has raised questions about Linda McMahon’s role and responsibility as a former executive of the company. The litigation is being led by attorney Greg Gutzler of DiCello Levitt, who stated that holding accountable those who enabled such abuse is crucial.
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