In a shocking revelation that’s sending ripples through the entertainment world, former WWE executive John Laurinaitis is now at the center of a scandal involving allegations of a cover-up surrounding the rape of former WWE superstar Ashley Massaro. Tim Marchman’s investigation for VICE News has unearthed disturbing details that implicate some of the top brass at WWE.
According to reports, Laurinaitis’ lawyer, Edward Brennan, has vehemently denied any involvement in covering up the alleged rape, stating, “Any allegations that Mr. Laurinaitis helped to cover up an alleged rape allegation is an outright lie.” Brennan further clarified that Laurinaitis, like most upper-level management, became aware of the allegations and ensured that all proper WWE protocols were followed. However, the term “cover-up” is vigorously contested by Brennan, who claims that there was no orchestrated plan to hide or assist in the alleged rape.
These bombshell accusations have resurfaced in the wake of the tragic death of Ashley Massaro, who died by apparent suicide in 2019. Massaro had previously claimed that top WWE executives, including Vince McMahon and Laurinaitis, instructed her to remain silent about the assault she allegedly endured during a WWE tour in Kuwait back in 2006.
But the controversy doesn’t end there. Marchman’s investigation reveals even more disturbing allegations, including claims that McMahon himself sexually harassed Massaro. Despite denials from WWE claiming ignorance of the situation, evidence suggests that most upper-level management were indeed aware of the allegations.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS) opened an investigation into Massaro’s claims following her tragic demise. However, details regarding the investigation have been tightly guarded, with NCIS citing privacy concerns.
What’s more, this scandal is not confined to Ashley Massaro alone. Janel Grant, another individual, has filed a lawsuit implicating both McMahon and Laurinaitis in sexual assault and sex trafficking. While a spokesperson for McMahon has dismissed the lawsuit as being “replete with lies,” the repercussions are far-reaching. McMahon has since resigned from WWE and TKO, and is now under federal investigation regarding these damning allegations.
As the controversy continues to unfold, with key figures remaining tight-lipped or denying any wrongdoing, the public is left to grapple with the disturbing implications of these allegations. Stay tuned as this scandal continues to rock the entertainment industry to its core.
