Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon allegedly paid more than $12 million to four women in an attempt to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct, the Wall Street Journalreports.
The four settlements McMahon reportedly paid out took place over the past 16 years, as the four women—all of whom were associated with WWE—signed agreements that “prohibit them from discussing potential legal claims against or their relationships with the 76-year-old executive.”
The settlements in question include a $7.5 million payment in 2018 to an ex-WWE employee who claimed the executive “coerced her into giving him oral sex and then demoted her and, ultimately, declined to renew her contract in 2005 after she resisted further sexual encounters.”
McMahon is also said to have paid $1 million in 2008 to a former WWE contractor who accused him of sexual harassment in the workplace and sending her unsolicited nude photos. McMahon is also alleged to have paid $1 million to an ex-WWE manager who claims he “initiated a sexual relationship with her.”
The report arrives less than a month after McMahon stepped down from his role as chairman and CEO of WWE amid an investigation into alleged misconduct. Prior to his resignation, the board’s investigation uncovered a number of nondisclosure agreements with former women employees, including one in which McMahon paid $3 million to a ex-paralegal to keep their relationship quiet.
“I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the special committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation,” McMahon said in a statement in June. “I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are.”
McMahon’s daughter Stephanie was subsequently appointed interim CEO and chair of the board during his absence.
