Randy Orton‘s heart hurts.
Last month, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a 67-page lawsuit against former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, former executive John Lauritinis, and WWE as a company, outlining allegations of sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, and a myriad of other abuses. Given his lengthy history with McMahon, Randy Orton was recently asked to share his thoughts on the lawsuit. In response, the former WWE Champion indicated that the news was heartbreaking to him.
“I’ve got to say this — I wouldn’t be where I am without Vince McMahon taking a chance on me a handful of time,” Orton told Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated. “I would not be where I am today without Vince McMahon. But, f—, I’m reading this sh–. What you’ve seen and read, I’ve seen and read. As far as commenting on that, it f—— hurts my heart. It hurts my heart.”
Vince McMahon Steps Down
In the wake of the lawsuit news, Vince McMahon informed the board of directors at TKO Group Holdings that he would be stepping down from his positions as Executive Chair and member of the Board. McMahon later stated (via Deadline) that while he plans to continue proclaiming his innocence, he did not want to serve as a distraction to the company, hence, his decision to resign.
“I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon stated. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations, and look forward to clearing my name. However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my executive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately.”
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