New York, United States

It has not been a happy week for the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and its administration as the United States-based company was sued over “ring boys” sex abuse claims on Wednesday (Oct 23). The lawsuit also included former Chairman Vince McMahon and his wife in a major setback. This is not the first time WWE and its former chairman have hit the headlines for the wrong reasons. Earlier in the week, announcer Samantha Irvin also announced her departure from the company despite being one of the faces of the women’s division and a prominent ring announcer.

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Lawsuit against WWE

In the new lawsuit, five men have alleged that the former chairman of WWE did nothing to stop them from being exploited and sexually abused as underaged “ring boys.”

The lawsuit was filed anonymously in a Maryland court against McMahon, his wife Linda, WWE and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, in what is a big setback for the company.

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According to the complaint, McMahons had an idea regarding the ring boys’ abuse but did not take the necessary actions to prevent the happenings. It also states that Melvin Phillips Jr, former WWE ring crew chief was also involved in the concerned matter.

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Phillips died in 2012 but made the controversial rounds for having hired people as young as 12 and then getting abused. According to the lawsuit, the victims were forced to work with the ring crew in preparation for shows, and then groomed and abused them.

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Interestingly, earlier this week Samantha Irvin, who was the ring announcer for the Monday Night Raw show announced her departure from the company. While her departure has no connection with the lawsuit, the development comes as a big setback for the WWE and its parent company TKO Group Holdings.

The company is yet to comment on the matter and is expected to respond soon after the lawsuit was filed in Maryland court.