A federal judge has paused a lawsuit against Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and Trump’s education secretary pick, over allegations of ignoring employee misconduct with underage “Ring Boys.”
At a Glance
- The lawsuit, filed by five John Does, alleges the McMahons ignored abuse of underaged “ring boys” by WWE staff.
- The case is paused pending a ruling on the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 (CVA), which could repeal the statute of limitations for certain civil actions related to child abuse.
- Linda McMahon’s attorney claims the FBI previously investigated and found no grounds for the allegations.
- The lawsuit emerged shortly before Linda McMahon’s nomination for education secretary, potentially affecting her confirmation.
- A decision from the Maryland Supreme Court is expected by August 31, 2025.
Legal Proceedings Halted
A federal judge has suspended a lawsuit against Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and Trump’s nominee for education secretary. The case, filed by five anonymous individuals, alleges that McMahon and her husband Vince ignored reports of misconduct involving underage “Ring Boys” by WWE staff during the 1980s. The delay in proceedings hinges on forthcoming rulings about the legality of the Maryland Child Victims Act, which recently extended the timeframe for bringing forth civil child abuse claims.
The lawsuit, initially filed in state court in Baltimore and later moved to federal court in Maryland, claims that the McMahons failed to protect young employees from abuse. The defendants, including WWE and its parent company TKO, requested the stay until the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act is determined.
A federal judge paused the child sexual abuse case involving President-elect Trump's education secretary pick Linda McMahon, her husband Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). https://t.co/FufKWuUxWt
— ABC News (@ABC) December 8, 2024
Allegations and Denials
The lawsuit alleges systemic abuse of underaged children by a deceased WWE employee, Melvin Phillips Jr., during the 1980s. It claims that Vince McMahon was aware of Phillips’ inappropriate interest in young boys since that time. The five plaintiffs, former WWE employees, state that the McMahons and WWE failed in their duty to protect them from abuse.
“This civil lawsuit based upon 30-plus-year-old allegations is filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations and misrepresentations regarding Linda McMahon.” – Laura Brevetti
Both Linda and Vince McMahon have vehemently denied the allegations. Linda McMahon’s attorney, Laura Brevetti, called the lawsuit baseless and filled with falsehoods. Vince McMahon’s lawyer, Jessica Rosenberg, similarly dismissed the claims as false and defamatory.
A federal judge has stayed the ongoing lawsuit between Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon and the former WWE ring boys who allege they ignored abuse in the company.https://t.co/jfFiUtgcpM
— WrestlingINC.com (@WrestlingInc) December 8, 2024
Implications for McMahon’s Nomination
The timing of this lawsuit is particularly significant as it emerged shortly before Linda McMahon’s nomination for education secretary. This development could potentially affect her confirmation process for the cabinet position. Senator Kevin Cramer expressed concern about the allegations, stating it would be a “pretty big concern” if evidence shows McMahon concealed the alleged abuse.
“The matter at the time was investigated by company attorneys and the FBI, which found no grounds to continue the investigation. Ms. McMahon will vigorously defend against this baseless lawsuit and without doubt ultimately succeed.” – Laura Brevetti
McMahon’s legal team maintains that the FBI previously investigated the allegations and found no grounds to proceed. Critics have highlighted McMahon’s limited education experience, while supporters cite her success in transforming WWE into a global powerhouse. Her education-related experience includes serving as a trustee for Sacred Heart University, a year on the Connecticut Board of Education, and championing literacy programs like the WrestleMania Reading Challenge during her time at WWE.
As the legal proceedings remain paused, the outcome of the Maryland Supreme Court’s decision on the Child Victims Act, expected by August 31, 2025, will be crucial in determining the future course of this case and its potential impact on Linda McMahon’s political aspirations.
Sources:
- Judge pauses abuse lawsuit involving Trump’s education secretary pick
- Judge Pauses Lawsuit Against Linda McMahon, Trump’s Education Secretary Pick
- Judge Pauses Abuse Lawsuit Against Trump’s Education Secretary Pick
- Linda McMahon’s alleged WWE abuse lawsuit paused
