Women wrestlers are challenging former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's acquittal in the sexual harassment case, alleging a "selective reading" of the evidence by the court. The August 3 order acquitted Singh and co-accused Vinod Tomar. Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have said the fight for justice continues, with an appeal now filed in a higher court. Watch the full update, and tell us in the comments what you think should happen next.


Wrestlers challenge Brij Bhushan's acquittal, allege 'selective reading' of evidence 

<p>The protesting wrestlers led by Bajrang Punia and&nbsp;Sakshi Malik are making the headlines with each passing day. After filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)&nbsp;chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan over&nbsp;sexual harassment allegations,&nbsp;they have time and again called for his arrest. The investigations are still on. On Sunday (May 28), the protesting wrestlers marched towards the new parliament on the day of its inauguration for justice. However, they were detained by the Delhi Police.</p>

<p>As a result, Bajrang &amp; Co. decided to immerse their medals in the holy river Ganges in the city of Haridwar on Tuesday (May 31) but backed&nbsp;out later. On Friday (June 02), India's 1983 World Cup winning team also reacted to the wrestlers' protest and urged them not to throw their medals in the Ganges.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit’&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>a statement from the Kapil Dev-led 1983 World Cup-winning team&nbsp;said, "We are distressed and disturbed at the unseemly visuals of our champion wrestlers being manhandled. We are also most concerned that they are thinking of dumping their hard-earned medals into river Ganga. Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit and are not only their own but the nation's pride and joy. We urge them not to take any hasty decision in this matter and also fervently hope that their grievances are heard and resolved quickly. Let the law of the land prevail."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wfi-chief-asked-for-sexual-favours-touched-women-wrestlers-inappropriately-details-of-2-firs-10-complaints-599495">WFI chief asked for sexual favours, touched women wrestlers inappropriately - Details of 2 FIRs, 10 complaints</a></strong></p>

<p>Madan Lal, member of the victorious 1983 WC team, told ANI, "Heartbreaking that they decided to throw their medals. We aren't in favour of them throwing their medals because earning medals isn't easy and we urge the Government to sort out this issue as soon as possible."</p>

<p>After deciding not to immerse&nbsp;their medals in the holy river Ganges, the protesting wrestlers are set to go on a hunger strike against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The protesting wrestlers led by Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik are making the headlines with each passing day. After filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan over sexual harassment allegations, they have time and again called for his arrest.

The protesting wrestlers led by Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik are making the headlines with each passing day. After filing First Information Reports (FIRs) against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh Sharan over sexual harassment allegations, they have time and again called for his arrest. The investigations are still on. On Sunday (May 28), the protesting wrestlers marched towards the new parliament on the day of its inauguration for justice. However, they were detained by the Delhi Police. As a result, Bajrang & Co. decided to immerse their medals in the holy river Ganges in the city of Haridwar on Tuesday (May 31) but backed out later. On Friday (June 02), India's 1983 World Cup winning team also reacted to the wrestlers' protest and urged them not to throw their medals in the Ganges. ‘Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit’ a statement from the Kapil Dev-led 1983 World Cup-winning team said, "We are distressed and disturbed at the unseemly visuals of our champion wrestlers being manhandled. We are also most concerned that they are thinking of dumping their hard-earned medals into river Ganga. Those medals have involved years of effort, sacrifice, determination and grit and are not only their own but the nation's pride and joy. We urge them not to take any hasty decision in this matter and also fervently hope that their grievances are heard and resolved quickly. Let the law of the land prevail." Also Read: WFI chief asked for sexual favours, touched women wrestlers inappropriately - Details of 2 FIRs, 10 complaints Madan Lal, member of the victorious 1983 WC team, told ANI, "Heartbreaking that they decided to throw their medals. We aren't in favour of them throwing their medals because earning medals isn't easy and we urge the Government to sort out this issue as soon as possible." After deciding not to immerse their medals in the holy river Ganges, the protesting wrestlers are set to go on a hunger strike against WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India's 1983 WC winning team backs protesting wrestlers, urges them to not immerse medals in Ganges

Top Indian wrestlers were fighting with the police just a few kilometres away at the time that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was delivering his inaugural speech, and tensions on the streets of New Delhi have since subsided. Indian wrestlers like vinesh fogart, sakshi Malik, and bajrang punya attempted to march from their site of protest towards the new Parliament building.

India: Delhi police acts as wrestlers breach security cordon

The top Indian wrestlers are back at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The wrestlers had staged a sit-in protest in Jantar Mantar in January where they had accused the WFI and its chief of sexual harassment and mistreatment of wrestlers.

Indian wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar seeking WFI chief's arrest

India's top wrestlers resumed their protest against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Chief of the sports governing body, who has been accused of sexually harassing female players. Seven women wrestlers, including a minor, filed a sexual harassment case against the Federation Chief on Friday.

Scandal in Indian Wrestling: Wrestlers resume protest at Jantar Mantar; Phogat, Punia lead revolt

<p>Big ticket Indian wrestlers on Wednesday opened a can of worms by alleging sexual harassment and corruption in&nbsp;the working&nbsp;of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik accused the federation President Brij Bhushan Sharan Sharma of sexual harassment while Bajrang Punia alleged that the office-bearers of the federation are knee-deep in corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Phogat, a veteran of the sport, told the media that 'national coaches' had been molesting female wrestlers over the years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Women wrestlers have been sexually harassed at national camps by coaches and also the WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Sharma," said Phogat in a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Some of the coaches appointed at national camps have been sexually harassing women wrestlers for years. The WFI president is also involved in sexual harassment."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2022-vinesh-phogat-clinches-gold-in-womens-53kg-completes-hat-trick-of-top-podium-finishes-504420"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;CWG 2022: Vinesh Phogat clinches gold in women's 53kg, completes hat-trick of top podium finishes</strong></a></p>

<p>Phogat continued by saying, at&nbsp;least 20 girls whom she knew had been harassed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They told me their stories. I can't take their names now but I can definitely reveal the names if we get to meet the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country."</p>

<p>“I have been trying to talk to the federation and make them understand my issues and those of other wrestlers for nearly 10 years. But nobody is even ready to listen," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The women wrestlers received support from their male counterparts. Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia said he and his fellow wrestlers will not compete internationally if Bhushan is not removed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will not compete in any international competition until WFI President is removed."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">फेडरेशन का काम खिलाड़ियों का साथ देना, उनकी खेल की जरूरतों का ध्यान रखना होता है। कोई समस्या हो तो उसका निदान करना होता है। लेकिन अगर फेडरेशन ही समस्या खड़ी करे तो क्या किया जाए?<br />
अब लड़ना पड़ेगा, हम पीछे नहीं हटेंगे । <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottWFIPresident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottWFIPresident</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BotcottWrestlingPresident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BotcottWrestlingPresident</a></p>
— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) <a href="https://twitter.com/BajrangPunia/status/1615602236197048320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nothing-comes-easy-in-life-indian-wrestler-bajrang-punia-after-clinching-2nd-successive-gold-in-cwg-504321"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;'Nothing comes easy in life': Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia after clinching 2nd successive gold in CWG</strong></a></p>

<p>The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist added that players never received any money required to prepare and compete for the events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The president abuses us. Private sponsors can only come from federation. Young players come and ask us where to go. Any player who asks is banned.“</p>

<p>After the protests by the players started receiving support on&nbsp;online platforms, the WFI president reached the spot and questioned why nobody had raised these issues in the last 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I came here as soon as I got to know the wrestlers are protesting. Is there anyone on record who can say the federation has molested us?" said Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Sexual harassment never happened. If even one athlete comes forward and proves this, I will hang myself."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Big ticket Indian wrestlers on Wednesday opened a can of worms by alleging sexual harassment and corruption in the working of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Big ticket Indian wrestlers on Wednesday opened a can of worms by alleging sexual harassment and corruption in the working of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik accused the federation President Brij Bhushan Sharan Sharma of sexual harassment while Bajrang Punia alleged that the office-bearers of the federation are knee-deep in corruption. During the protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Phogat, a veteran of the sport, told the media that 'national coaches' had been molesting female wrestlers over the years. “Women wrestlers have been sexually harassed at national camps by coaches and also the WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Sharma," said Phogat in a press conference. "Some of the coaches appointed at national camps have been sexually harassing women wrestlers for years. The WFI president is also involved in sexual harassment." Read more: CWG 2022: Vinesh Phogat clinches gold in women's 53kg, completes hat-trick of top podium finishes Phogat continued by saying, at least 20 girls whom she knew had been harassed. "They told me their stories. I can't take their names now but I can definitely reveal the names if we get to meet the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country." “I have been trying to talk to the federation and make them understand my issues and those of other wrestlers for nearly 10 years. But nobody is even ready to listen," she added. The women wrestlers received support from their male counterparts. Olympic medalist Bajrang Punia said he and his fellow wrestlers will not compete internationally if Bhushan is not removed. "We will not compete in any international competition until WFI President is removed." फेडरेशन का काम खिलाड़ियों का साथ देना, उनकी खेल की जरूरतों का ध्यान रखना होता है। कोई समस्या हो तो उसका निदान करना होता है। लेकिन अगर फेडरेशन ही समस्या खड़ी करे तो क्या किया जाए? अब लड़ना पड़ेगा, हम पीछे नहीं हटेंगे । #BoycottWFIPresident#BotcottWrestlingPresident — Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) January 18, 2023 × Read more: 'Nothing comes easy in life': Indian wrestler Bajrang Punia after clinching 2nd successive gold in CWG The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist added that players never received any money required to prepare and compete for the events. “The president abuses us. Private sponsors can only come from federation. Young players come and ask us where to go. Any player who asks is banned.“ After the protests by the players started receiving support on online platforms, the WFI president reached the spot and questioned why nobody had raised these issues in the last 10 years. "I came here as soon as I got to know the wrestlers are protesting. Is there anyone on record who can say the federation has molested us?" said Singh. "Sexual harassment never happened. If even one athlete comes forward and proves this, I will hang myself." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian wrestlers open 'can of worms', allege sexual harassment, corruption in wrestling federation

Mexico's lucha libre wrestlers held a fair in honour of Children's Day to raise funds for the athletes as they struggle to support themselves a year into the pandemic.

Wrestlers in Mexico hold fair as pandemic hurts industry

<p>Wrestling stars from WWE and AEW have been accused of sexual and physical abuse after #SpeakingOut emerged. #SpeakingOut is a #MeToo movement but for&nbsp;the wrestling industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the wrestles to come forward was Millie McKenzie. She accused her former trainer and New Zealand-born wrestler Travis Banks of emotional abuse during their relationship. McKenzie was 17 when she entered into a relationship with her then 30-year-old Banks.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Their public platform needs to be removed. They are not positive role models, regardless of their talent.<br />
<br />
Thanks again for supporting me and so many others in making a safer working environment <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/speakingout?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#speakingout</a></p>
— Millie Mckenzie ミリー・マッケンジー (@MillieMcKenzie0) <a href="https://twitter.com/MillieMcKenzie0/status/1275374427929223169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>In an interview with BBC, she said: "I hated wrestling. I hated everyone. I didn't talk to anyone".&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"I just didn't want to be there because I'd had to have been around him and all his friends."</p>

<p>Banks on the other hand was also released by the WWE's NXT UK promotion. He spoke to BBC and issued a statement. He said: "I apologise again for the pain that was caused. This was an entirely consensual relationship but I recognise that what happened should not have happened.</p>

<p>"I support the efforts being made by the Speaking Out movement to enable everyone in wrestling, and other sports also, to feel safe and never have to face a similar situation."</p>

<p>Many women wrestlers have come forward for the #SpeakingOut movement. But some wrestlers like Ring of Honor star Kelly Klein who said she was raped, have chosen not to comment on this movement.</p>

<p>Male performers like David Starr and Impact Wrestling's Joey Ryan issued pacifying statements in response to a wave of allegations of sexual misconduct and then disappeared from social media.</p>

<p>Impact wrestling has fired Joey Ryan. According to WWE, it had released 205 Live and NXT star Jack Gallagher after he was accused of a sexual assault dating back to 2014, though the company did not give details of the reason for that decision. Gallagher is yet to respond to these allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The WWE released a statement on the allegations against the performers in the wrestling company. It said: "Individuals are responsible for their own personal actions. WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault.</p>

<p>"Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated."</p>

<p>"WWE's ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE."&nbsp;</p>


Wrestling stars from WWE and AEW have been accused of sexual and physical abuse after #SpeakingOut emerged. #SpeakingOut is a #MeToo movement but for the wrestling industry.

Wrestling stars from WWE and AEW have been accused of sexual and physical abuse after #SpeakingOut emerged. #SpeakingOut is a #MeToo movement but for the wrestling industry. One of the wrestles to come forward was Millie McKenzie. She accused her former trainer and New Zealand-born wrestler Travis Banks of emotional abuse during their relationship. McKenzie was 17 when she entered into a relationship with her then 30-year-old Banks. Their public platform needs to be removed. They are not positive role models, regardless of their talent. Thanks again for supporting me and so many others in making a safer working environment #speakingout — Millie Mckenzie ミリー・マッケンジー (@MillieMcKenzie0) June 23, 2020 × In an interview with BBC, she said: "I hated wrestling. I hated everyone. I didn't talk to anyone". "I just didn't want to be there because I'd had to have been around him and all his friends." Banks on the other hand was also released by the WWE's NXT UK promotion. He spoke to BBC and issued a statement. He said: "I apologise again for the pain that was caused. This was an entirely consensual relationship but I recognise that what happened should not have happened. "I support the efforts being made by the Speaking Out movement to enable everyone in wrestling, and other sports also, to feel safe and never have to face a similar situation." Many women wrestlers have come forward for the #SpeakingOut movement. But some wrestlers like Ring of Honor star Kelly Klein who said she was raped, have chosen not to comment on this movement. Male performers like David Starr and Impact Wrestling's Joey Ryan issued pacifying statements in response to a wave of allegations of sexual misconduct and then disappeared from social media. Impact wrestling has fired Joey Ryan. According to WWE, it had released 205 Live and NXT star Jack Gallagher after he was accused of a sexual assault dating back to 2014, though the company did not give details of the reason for that decision. Gallagher is yet to respond to these allegations. The WWE released a statement on the allegations against the performers in the wrestling company. It said: "Individuals are responsible for their own personal actions. WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. "Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated." "WWE's ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE."

#SpeakingOut: Female wrestling stars speak out on sexual and physical abuse

<p>A scuffle broke out between alleged supporters of wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Parveen Rana at K&nbsp;D&nbsp;Jadhav Stadium in New Delhi on Friday afternoon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency ANI reports that the reason for the scuffle is not known yet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Scuffle broke out between alleged supporters of wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Parveen Rana at K. D. Jadhav Stadium in Delhi; reason not yet ascertained <a href="https://t.co/sigLOa3koY">pic.twitter.com/sigLOa3koY</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946699625792016390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to reporters London Olympic silver medallist Sushil Kumar condemned the incident and said that there was no space for such things in sports.</p>

<p>&#39;&#39;It is very unfortunate and I condemn it. It is wrong, there is no space for such things in sports,&#39;&#39; Sushil Kumar said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is very unfortunate and I condemn it. It is wrong, there is no space for such things in sports: Sushil Kumar <a href="https://t.co/goBjB8JTz2">pic.twitter.com/goBjB8JTz2</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946700494210088960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sushil qualified for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia after beating Jitender Kumar in the 74kg weight category.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Reports say that the scuffle broke out after Parveen bit Sushil during a Commonwealth Games qualification trail in the national capital.

A scuffle broke out between alleged supporters of wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Parveen Rana at K D Jadhav Stadium in New Delhi on Friday afternoon. News agency ANI reports that the reason for the scuffle is not known yet. #WATCH: Scuffle broke out between alleged supporters of wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Parveen Rana at K. D. Jadhav Stadium in Delhi; reason not yet ascertained pic.twitter.com/sigLOa3koY — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × Speaking to reporters London Olympic silver medallist Sushil Kumar condemned the incident and said that there was no space for such things in sports. ''It is very unfortunate and I condemn it. It is wrong, there is no space for such things in sports,'' Sushil Kumar said. It is very unfortunate and I condemn it. It is wrong, there is no space for such things in sports: Sushil Kumar pic.twitter.com/goBjB8JTz2 — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × Sushil qualified for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia after beating Jitender Kumar in the 74kg weight category.

Watch: Scuffle breaks out at wrestling event where Sushil Kumar, Parveen Rana were present

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc was sued on Monday by Jimmy &quot;Superfly&quot; Snuka and dozens of other retired male and female wrestlers seeking to hold it responsible for neurological injuries that they claim they suffer from because of having participated in its bouts.<br />
<br />
The complaint was filed on behalf of more than 50 plaintiffs who have performed with WWE or its predecessors since the 1970s, including Joseph &quot;Road Warrior Animal&quot; Laurinaitis and Paul &quot;Mr Wonderful&quot; Orndorff.<br />
<br />
It accused Stamford, Connecticut-based WWE and Chairman Vince McMahon of intentionally classifying wrestlers as &quot;independent contractors&quot; rather than employees, as a means to avoid liability under applicable worker protection laws.<br />
<br />
&quot;WWE placed corporate gain over its wrestlers&#39; health, safety, and financial security, choosing to leave the plaintiffs severely injured and with no recourse to treat their damaged minds and bodies,&quot; the complaint said.<br />
<br />
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as improved medical monitoring.<br />
<br />
WWE, in a statement, called the lawsuit another attempt to hold it liable by a lawyer who had two earlier lawsuits dismissed and added that &quot;we&#39;re confident this lawsuit will suffer the same fate&quot;.<br />
<br />
WWE has won the dismissal of some claims in other lawsuits accusing it of hiding the risks of head trauma from wrestling.<br />
<br />
The National Football League and National Hockey League have also been sued by retired players over head injuries.<br />
<br />
Monday&#39;s complaint was filed with the federal court in New Haven, Connecticut.<br />
<br />
The plaintiffs accused WWE of concealing the risks of the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other traumatic brain injuries attributable to wrestling, including through &quot;scripted&quot; moves it choreographed.<br />
<br />
Konstantine Kyros, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, in an email said WWE&#39;s &quot;exploitative business model&quot; kept his clients from learning their rights under laws such as the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act.<br />
<br />
According to the complaint, Laurinaitis, 55; Snuka, 72; and Orndorff, 66, suffer from cognitive difficulties including headaches, dizziness and memory loss, while Snuka and Orndorff also experience confusion, depression and mood swings.<br />
<br />
The plaintiffs also include former referees and identical twins Earl and Dave Hebner, 66, who according the complaint have experienced cognitive difficulties. Dave Hebner has also been diagnosed with Parkinson&#39;s disease, the complaint said.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

The complaint accuses WWE of intentionally classifying them as 'independent contractors' rather than employees to avoid liability

World Wrestling Entertainment Inc was sued on Monday by Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and dozens of other retired male and female wrestlers seeking to hold it responsible for neurological injuries that they claim they suffer from because of having participated in its bouts. The complaint was filed on behalf of more than 50 plaintiffs who have performed with WWE or its predecessors since the 1970s, including Joseph "Road Warrior Animal" Laurinaitis and Paul "Mr Wonderful" Orndorff. It accused Stamford, Connecticut-based WWE and Chairman Vince McMahon of intentionally classifying wrestlers as "independent contractors" rather than employees, as a means to avoid liability under applicable worker protection laws. "WWE placed corporate gain over its wrestlers' health, safety, and financial security, choosing to leave the plaintiffs severely injured and with no recourse to treat their damaged minds and bodies," the complaint said. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as improved medical monitoring. WWE, in a statement, called the lawsuit another attempt to hold it liable by a lawyer who had two earlier lawsuits dismissed and added that "we're confident this lawsuit will suffer the same fate". WWE has won the dismissal of some claims in other lawsuits accusing it of hiding the risks of head trauma from wrestling. The National Football League and National Hockey League have also been sued by retired players over head injuries. Monday's complaint was filed with the federal court in New Haven, Connecticut. The plaintiffs accused WWE of concealing the risks of the degenerative brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy and other traumatic brain injuries attributable to wrestling, including through "scripted" moves it choreographed. Konstantine Kyros, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, in an email said WWE's "exploitative business model" kept his clients from learning their rights under laws such as the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act. According to the complaint, Laurinaitis, 55; Snuka, 72; and Orndorff, 66, suffer from cognitive difficulties including headaches, dizziness and memory loss, while Snuka and Orndorff also experience confusion, depression and mood swings. The plaintiffs also include former referees and identical twins Earl and Dave Hebner, 66, who according the complaint have experienced cognitive difficulties. Dave Hebner has also been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the complaint said. (Reuters)

WWE sued by more than 50 retired wrestlers over neurological injuries

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