Vince McMahon sued for enabling sexual abuse in WWE during 1980s

In recent developments, a lawsuit has emerged in the United States accusing Vince McMahon, the former CEO of WWE, of facilitating the sexual exploitation of minors during the 1980s. Filed on behalf of five individuals who were former WWE 'Ring Boys,' the lawsuit claims that McMahon and others, including his wife Linda McMahon, were aware of the predatory behavior exhibited by former employee Melvin Phillips, Jr. Phillips allegedly used his position to exploit children aged 12 and 13 under the guise of work-related duties. The lawsuit further alleges that within WWE, a pervasive culture existed that tolerated and even encouraged sexual misconduct. It reportedly became common knowledge among wrestlers and staff that Phillips surrounded himself with underage boys, often traveling with them and staying in hotel rooms. The claims detail how the organization's leadership failed to intervene, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked. Notably, Phillips was previously accused of similar misconduct in the early 1990s, but those allegations did not result in criminal charges. The continued inaction and alleged complicity by McMahon and his associates highlight systemic issues within WWE regarding the handling of sexual abuse claims. This lawsuit follows a series of allegations against McMahon himself, including other instances of sexual misconduct and a multimillion-dollar settlement paid to a former employee. The case is expected to amplify discussions about significant accountability measures within the wrestling industry.