Federal Judge Halts Linda McMahon Child Abuse Lawsuit Amid Legal Developments

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Federal judge halts lawsuit against Linda McMahon over alleged WWE child abuse, awaiting Maryland Supreme Court decision.

At a Glance

  • A federal judge has paused a child abuse lawsuit involving Linda McMahon, Vince McMahon, and WWE
  • Five former “ring boys” allege systemic abuse by a deceased WWE employee in the 1980s
  • The case is on hold pending a ruling on the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023
  • McMahons and their attorneys deny all allegations, calling them baseless and defamatory

Lawsuit Allegations and Legal Pause

A federal judge has temporarily halted a lawsuit involving former WWE executive Linda McMahon over allegations of child abuse. The case, filed by five unnamed former WWE employees, claims that Linda and Vince McMahon ignored abuse allegations against young “Ring Boys” by WWE staff in the 1980s. The legal proceedings have been paused pending a ruling by the Supreme Court of Maryland on the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 (CVA).

The lawsuit, initially filed in late October, alleges abuse by Melvin Phillips Jr., a former WWE employee who died in 2012. The plaintiffs claim that the McMahons and WWE failed to protect the boys from abuse, with assertions that Vince McMahon was aware of Phillips’ inappropriate interest in young boys since the 1980s. The case was first filed in state court in Baltimore before being moved to federal court in Maryland.

McMahons’ Response and Legal Defense

Both Linda and Vince McMahon have vehemently denied the allegations through their legal representatives. Laura Brevetti, Linda McMahon’s attorney, has been vocal in refuting the claims, stating that the lawsuit is “filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations and misrepresentations regarding Linda McMahon.” Brevetti further asserted that the matter was previously investigated by company attorneys and the FBI, which 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. Ms. McMahon will vigorously defend against this baseless lawsuit and without doubt ultimately succeed,” said Laura Brevetti, Linda McMahon’s attorney.

Jessica Rosenberg, Vince McMahon’s attorney, echoed this sentiment, calling the allegations “absurd, defamatory and utterly meritless.” The defendants, including WWE and its parent company TKO, requested the stay until the CVA’s constitutionality is determined, with a decision from the Maryland Supreme Court expected by August 31, 2025.

Implications for Linda McMahon’s Political Career

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

McMahon’s supporters highlight her success in transforming WWE into a global powerhouse and her involvement in education-related initiatives. Her experience includes serving as a trustee for Sacred Heart University, a year on the Connecticut Board of Education, and championing literacy programs like the WrestleMania Reading Challenge while at WWE. Critics, however, point to her limited formal experience in the education sector.

The Road Ahead

As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Maryland Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Child Victims Act. This ruling will determine whether the lawsuit against Linda McMahon and WWE can proceed. The pause in proceedings provides time for both sides to prepare their cases, while also allowing for a thorough examination of the legal implications of the CVA. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Sources:

  1. Judge pauses abuse lawsuit involving Trump’s education secretary pick
  2. Linda McMahon’s alleged WWE abuse lawsuit paused
  3. Judge Pauses Abuse Lawsuit Against Trump’s Education Secretary Pick
  4. Judge Pauses Lawsuit Against Linda McMahon, Trump’s Education Secretary Pick

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