Vince McMahon, the former CEO of the world’s most popular wrestling franchise, agreed to pay over $12 million to multiple women over the last 16 years to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity, according to people familiar with the deals.
The first two payments, made in 2006 and 2008, were each about $1 million, with the largest one, $7.5 million, made in 2018, the people said. The most recent payment in 2022, worth $3 million, had been previously reported in June, according to the Wall Street Journal.
All four of the payouts went to women who were once affiliated with World Wrestling Entertainment, according to the people. In receiving the payments, the women signed agreements with McMahon that prohibited them from discussing legal claims against their relationships with him, according to the people and documents reviewed by the outlet.
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WWE’s board is investigating McMahon’s agreements from 2022 and 2018, people familiar with the situation said. The board is also investigating allegations that WWE executive John Laurinaitis had a sexual relationship with the same woman from the 2022 agreement, as well as a $1.5 million nondisclosure agreement reached in 2012 with an employee involving misconduct claims against him, these people said.
McMahon stepped down from his position as CEO on June 17, two days after reports emerged that WWE was investigating the 2022 settlement. In stepping down, he pledged his “complete cooperation to the investigation.”
Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon’s daughter, has stepped into her father’s position as CEO, pending the outcome of the investigation. She has also affirmed her commitment to helping the investigation.
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WWE has not yet responded to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
