Janel Grant speaks publicly for the first time, “By a series of miracles that I can’t account for, I’m alive today” – POST Wrestling

Janel Grant, a former WWE paralegal, publicly addressed her experiences and the constraints imposed by a non-disclosure agreement with Vince McMahon on Thursday. Her statement came during a briefing held by the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, alongside other survivors, advocates, and legislators.

Allegations and Legal Action

Grant alleges she was sexually assaulted and sex trafficked by McMahon during her time with WWE. McMahon has denied these allegations. She filed a lawsuit in January 2024, a decision she described as hesitant, due to the anticipated impact on her life.

The Impact of NDAs

Grant emphasized the silencing effect of non-disclosure agreements, stating that they “simply relocate the harm to the next employee, the next office, the next victim.” She described a period of extreme isolation, going outside only ten times in the past year, reflecting a perceived threat and loss of control.

According to Grant, WWE attempted to secure a joint statement characterizing her relationship with McMahon as “consensual,” offering an unspecified exchange. She refused, and the company subsequently issued a statement describing the relationship as consensual without her consent, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Federal Investigation and SEC Penalties

Grant revealed that a federal investigation was launched into potential human trafficking and criminal misconduct involving WWE, McMahon, and the NDA. This investigation prompted her to remain silent regarding her experiences. While no criminal charges were filed against McMahon, he was required to repay WWE $1.3 million and pay a $400,000 penalty to the Securities and Exchange Commission related to the undisclosed settlement payments.

Concerns Within WWE

Grant expressed concern for current WWE employees, stating that the company’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, is “full of intimidated people.” She also criticized a WWE storyline in the summer of 2024, noting parallels between the narrative and her own situation, specifically referencing a scene involving Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio.

Grant detailed the financial and emotional toll the situation has taken, stating she is financially devastated and lacks family support. She spent “six figures” on legal representation and medical care related to the investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is coercive control?

Grant described experiencing “coercive control,” a concept her legal counsel has asserted in her civil lawsuit. She stated the NDA served as a tool for McMahon to justify actions while she remained in a vulnerable position.

What was Grant’s initial reaction to the Wall Street Journal report?

Grant recounted receiving a phone call about the impending Wall Street Journal story while at a new job, and in front of her new colleagues. She was instructed not to comment or acknowledge the situation, describing the experience as feeling like her “home [was] set on fire intentionally with me still inside of it.”

What is the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence advocating for?

The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence is pushing for stronger protections for incarcerated survivors and increased transparency and accountability, specifically seeking changes to state laws regarding non-disclosure agreements that they believe silence survivors.

What role do you believe corporations have in fostering safe and transparent work environments for their employees?