Vince McMahons legal team isnt backing down after former WWE executive John Laurinaitis was officially removed as a defendant in Janel Grants sex trafficking lawsuit.
Laurinaitis, who reached a confidential settlement and agreed to provide evidence in the case, was dismissed via a new court filing submitted on Wednesday but McMahons camp insists it changes nothing.
In an update issued to POST Wrestling, McMahons attorney Jessica Rosenberg responded to the development with a pointed statement, rejecting any suggestion that the Laurinaitis settlement strengthens the case against her client.
Rosenberg went even further, referencing a previous public position from Laurinaitis own lawyer:
While Laurinaitis has stepped away from the case as a co-defendant, he has agreed to cooperate and supply evidence against both McMahon and WWE, according to a joint statement released through Grants legal team earlier this week. That agreement was described as a pivotal next step toward holding McMahon and WWE accountable.
Grants amended lawsuit, approved by a judge earlier this month, claims she was sexually trafficked by Vince McMahon and assaulted by both men during her time working at WWE. The lawsuit also alleges WWE failed to protect her. Laurinaitis removal from the case does not affect the amended claims still standing against McMahon and the company.
McMahon and WWE are expected to file motions by June 13 to push the case into private arbitration, arguing that a $3 million nondisclosure agreement Grant signed prevents public litigation. Until then, Grant can continue pursuing discovery related to the arbitration clause itself.
John Laurinaitis may be out legally, but the heat around Vince McMahon is far from cooling off and now his legal team is on full defense mode.
Does Vince Mc Mahons lawyers statement change your view of the case? Should this play out in court or behind closed doors? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
