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Reports: Vince McMahon resigns as chairman of TKO Group
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His resignation comes a day after a former WWE employee accused him of serious sexual abuse and misconduct in a lawsuit.
NEW YORK — Vince McMahon has resigned as chairman of TKO Group after a former WWE employee accused him of serious sexual abuse and misconduct in a lawsuit, according to multiple reports.
“I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name,” McMahon said in a statement released to media outlets. “However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately.”
The former employee’s lawsuit, which was filed Thursday, alleges McMahon forced her into a sexual relationship in order for her to get and keep a job and passed around pornographic pictures and videos of her to other men, including other WWE employees.
McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO in 2022 amid an investigation into allegations that match those in the lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Connecticut, where WWE is based.
WWE merged last April with the company that runs Ultimate Fighting Championship to create the $21.4 billion sports entertainment company TKO Group Holdings.
McMahon was the leader and most recognizable face at WWE for decades. When he purchased what was then the World Wrestling Federation from his father in 1982, wrestling matches took place at small venues and appeared on local cable channels.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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