Federal Judge Halts Lawsuit Against Linda McMahon Over WWE Abuse Allegations

A federal judge has temporarily halted a lawsuit against Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and Trump’s nominee for education secretary, over allegations of ignoring abuse of underage “ring boys” in the 1980s.

At a Glance

Federal judge pauses lawsuit against Linda McMahon and WWE over alleged abuse of minors
Case on hold pending Maryland Supreme Court ruling on Child Victims Act’s constitutionality
Five former “ring boys” allege systemic abuse by deceased WWE employee Melvin Phillips Jr.
McMahon’s legal team denies allegations, calling them “baseless” and “filled with scurrilous lies”
Lawsuit’s outcome could impact McMahon’s nomination as education secretary

Lawsuit Allegations and Legal Proceedings

The lawsuit against Linda McMahon, her husband Vince McMahon, and WWE has been temporarily halted by a federal judge. Filed by five anonymous former WWE employees, the suit alleges that the McMahons ignored reports of exploitation of teenage “ring boys” dating back to the mid-1980s. The case centers around accusations against Melvin Phillips Jr., a former WWE employee who died in 2012.

The pause in proceedings is directly linked to the ongoing judicial review of the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 (CVA). This act could potentially eliminate the statute of limitations for certain civil actions related to child abuse. The defendants, including WWE and its parent company TKO, requested the stay until the CVA’s constitutionality is determined by the Maryland Supreme Court.

A federal judge paused the child sexual abuse case involving President-elect Trump's education secretary pick Linda McMahon, her husband Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). https://t.co/FufKWuUxWt

— ABC News (@ABC) December 8, 2024

McMahon’s Defense and Political Implications

Linda McMahon’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations. Her attorney, Laura Brevetti, stated that the lawsuit “is filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations and misrepresentations regarding Linda McMahon.” Brevetti also claimed that the FBI had previously investigated the matter and found no grounds to continue the investigation.

“This civil lawsuit based upon 30-plus-year-old allegations is filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations and misrepresentations regarding Linda McMahon.” – Laura Brevetti

The timing of the lawsuit is particularly significant as it emerged shortly before Linda McMahon’s nomination for education secretary. This development could potentially affect her confirmation process. Senator Kevin Cramer expressed concern, stating it would be a “pretty big concern” if evidence shows McMahon concealed the alleged abuse.

WWE’s History and McMahon’s Background

The allegations are part of what’s known as the “Ring Boys” scandal, which dates back to the mid-1980s but first came to light in 1992. Several WWE employees resigned due to the allegations at that time. Linda McMahon served as a WWE executive from the early 1980s to 2009, playing a crucial role in transforming the company into a global entertainment powerhouse.

“Ms. McMahon will vigorously defend against this baseless lawsuit and without doubt ultimately succeed” – Laura Brevetti

Critics have pointed out McMahon’s limited education experience, but supporters highlight her business acumen. Her education-related experience includes serving as a trustee for Sacred Heart University and a year on the Connecticut Board of Education. Additionally, she championed literacy programs like the WrestleMania Reading Challenge during her time at WWE.

A federal judge has stayed the ongoing lawsuit between Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon and the former WWE ring boys who allege they ignored abuse in the company.https://t.co/jfFiUtgcpM

— WrestlingINC.com (@WrestlingInc) December 8, 2024

As the legal proceedings remain on hold, the Maryland Supreme Court is expected to deliver a decision on the Child Victims Act’s constitutionality by August 31, 2025. The outcome of this case and the subsequent confirmation hearings will likely have significant implications for both Linda McMahon’s political future and the broader conversation surrounding child protection in the entertainment industry.