As accusations against Vince McMahon and the WWE continue to mount, a previously unpublished statement by former wrestler Ashley Massaro has been obtained, shedding light on alleged misconduct within the organization. The statement, collected by lawyers as part of a 2018 lawsuit, claims that McMahon preyed on female wrestlers and ended Massaro’s career because she rejected his sexual advances.
Massaro’s statement, although ultimately excluded from the final affidavit due to its focus on concussions, provides detailed allegations against McMahon. It describes instances of him “making out” with other female wrestlers in the locker room and harassing Massaro with late-night phone calls. According to Massaro, McMahon wrote negative promos for her after she refused his advances, effectively tanking her career.
The statement also implicates Kevin Dunn, longtime WWE production chief, who allegedly told Massaro not to let one bad experience ruin the work they were doing, in reference to her speaking out about her alleged sexual assault. Notably, Dunn was unavailable for comment, and a lawyer representing McMahon did not respond to a request for comment.
These revelations come in the wake of other accusations against McMahon, including allegations of covering up Massaro’s alleged rape at a Kuwait military base in a civil sex trafficking lawsuit. Although the investigation into these particular allegations was closed in January 2020, the controversy surrounding McMahon and the WWE persists.
It is important to note that Massaro tragically died in 2019, and her death was ruled as an apparent suicide. Her detailed and thorough statement, however, provides a glimpse into the alleged misconduct within the WWE and adds to the growing concerns surrounding the organization.
The lawyers representing Massaro and other WWE wrestlers seeking damages for traumatic brain injuries collected statements from various wrestlers about their experiences with the organization. Massaro’s statement stands as a testament to the need for accountability and transparency within the industry.
While these allegations have yet to be proven in a court of law, they highlight the urgent need for an investigation into the conduct of Vince McMahon and the WWE. The well-being and safety of wrestlers, especially female wrestlers, should be a top priority, and any claims of sexual misconduct or abuse must be taken seriously.
As the accusations against McMahon and the WWE continue to pile up, it is crucial for the wrestling community and fans to demand accountability and justice. The culture within the industry must change to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all wrestlers. Only then can the WWE regain the trust of its performers and fans alike.
