Judge Allows WWE Abuse Cover-Up Suit to Proceed

A federal judge in Maryland has ruled that a lawsuit accusing World Wrestling Entertainment, its parent company TKO Group Holdings, and former executives Vince and Linda McMahon of covering up the sexual abuse of underage ring crew members in the 1980s and early 1990s will proceed, though with some claims dismissed.

The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar on December 11, 2025, came in response to motions filed by the defendants to dismiss the case. In a 48-page opinion, the judge rejected arguments over lack of jurisdiction and other procedural grounds, allowing most of the suit to move forward. The ruling narrows the scope by dismissing certain claims without prejudice, meaning the affected plaintiffs could potentially refile them later if they meet statutory requirements.

The lawsuit, originally filed on October 23, 2024, involves eight anonymous plaintiffs, identified as John Does 1 through 8, who worked as ring boys for the then-World Wrestling Federation. They allege that company officials, including Vince McMahon, knew about abuse perpetrated by longtime ring announcer Mel Phillips and failed to intervene. Phillips, who died in 2012, was fired by the...