Five former WWE ring boys claim they were exploited and sexually abused during their time working for the wrestling giant — while scandal-scarred ex-CEO Vince McMahon did nothing to stop it.
The men – who were underaged boys at the time of the alleged abuse – filed suit anonymously in a Maryland court against McMahon, his wife Linda and their company TKO Group Holdings.
The couple allegedly knew about the sexual abuse by ring crew chief Melvin Philips Jr. but did nothing to stop it from happening, the court papers claim.
“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,” plaintiff lawyer Greg Gutzler said in a statement.
“That so many were aware of the sexual abuse of the ring boys and did nothing to prevent or stop it is simply unconscionable.”
McMahon and a lawyer representing him in another case both didn’t immediately return requests seeking comment Wednesday afternoon.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.