Leaked bust renews scrutiny of McMahon's private 80th birthday party

Vince McMahon marked his 80th birthday in August with an ultra-private celebration in New York City that drew dozens of wrestling legends and was governed by strict no-phone and nondisclosure rules, and now a leaked photo of a commemorative bust reportedly given to guests has renewed public scrutiny of the event. Attendees described an ornate evening with musical performances and a surprise stage appearance by McMahon, while a post from a wrestling commentator says only 100 plaster busts of McMahon were created as gifts for handpicked guests.

Sgt. Slaughter, a WWE Hall of Famer who attended the party, told interviewer Bill Apter that guests were seated as the New York Symphony performed when McMahon appeared and invited them to join him. Slaughter said phones were barred from the event and that guests were asked to check phones at the door or leave them in hotel rooms. If they needed to make a call, he said, they had to step outside. He added that organizers supplied cameras for official use and that personal photography was prohibited.

Separate accounts published by wrestling commentators and attendees paint a similar picture of confidentiality. Steve Stasiak of Book Pro...