WWE boss Vince McMahon reportedly has paid “hush money” payments of $12 million to four women employees at the WWE, all of them signed an agreement in exchange for their silence on allegations of sexual misconduct.
The agreement said, “prohibit them from discussing potential legal claims against or their relationships with the 76 year old”, the agreement was signed by all four women, although their name was not disclosed.
The payments date back at least 16 years and include a $7.5 million payment to a former WWE wrestler who alleged that McMahon coerced her into oral sex. After the incident, McMahon demoted the wrestler and then allowed her contract to expire. The payment was negotiated after the wrestler and her legal team confronted McMahon in 2018.
The Wall Street Journal reported on the hush payments.
In 2008, McMahon reportedly paid $1 million to an ex-WWE contractor who had accused the Chairman of sexual harassment and unsolicited nude photos.
Vince also has been alleged to pay $1 million in exchange for the silence of a former manager who claimed the WWE boss initiated a sexual relationship with her.
Recently, Vince McMahon voluntarily stepped down as the CEO of the WWE. The WWE board is reportedly investigating the incidents.
“I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the Special Committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are,” Vince McMahon said at that time.
