WWE’s former leadership is facing new allegations tied to the long-standing “Ring Boy Scandal.” Vince McMahon’s attorney has now responded to this new legal battle for their famous client.
On October 23, a lawsuit was filed against WWE, Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. by five survivors of sexual abuse, identified as John Does 1 through 5. The lawsuit accuses WWE management of negligence for failing to stop the sexual abuse of underaged boys, known as “Ring Boys,” by former WWE ring crew boss and announcer Mel Phillips.
Jessica Rosenberg, Vince McMahon’s attorney, issued a statement in response to the lawsuit, firmly denying the claims.
In a statement to Brandon Thurston on Fightful Select, Rosenberg said, “More than 30 years ago, the columnist Phil Mushnick tried to make headlines with these same false claims. Those allegations were never proven and ultimately became the subject of a defamation lawsuit against Mr. Mushnick. The negligence claims against Mr. McMahon that were asserted today rely on these same absurd, defamatory and utterly meritless statements by Mr. Mushnick. We will vigorously defend Mr. McMahon and are confident the court will find that these claims are untrue and unfounded.”
The “Ring Boy Scandal” first came to light in 1992 when allegations against Phillips, Terry Garvin, and Pat Patterson led to their firings from WWE. While Garvin and Phillips were permanently removed, Patterson was later rehired and remained with the company until his death in 2020.
This new lawsuit also connects to another ongoing legal battle involving McMahon. In January, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit accusing McMahon of sexual abuse and trafficking. Grant’s attorney has also publicly spoken on this matter.
As WWE, Vince McMahon, and TKO Group Holdings face another legal challenge, Rosenberg’s denial indicates a readiness to fight the lawsuit in court. It seems that Vince McMahon will keep fighting this battle. Keep checking back with us here at Ringside News for more.
What do you think about the ring boy scandal leading to a lawsuit now? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.