Linda McMahon’s Alleged WWE Sexual Abuse Trial Shelved
A federal judge has stayed the child sex abuse case involving President-elect Donald Trump’s Education Secretary Linda McMahon, her husband Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
The Maryland lawsuit, filed in October by five John Does who worked as a ringside tag team when they were teenagers, alleges that WWE co-founders Linda and Vince McMahon turned a blind eye to years of sexual abuse of underage ring boys by an advertiser. and company managers. The McMahons have denied the allegations.
The continuation of the case represents a major development for the businesswoman and former director of the Small Business Administration: Linda McMahon’s ministerial role is charged with investigating sexual misconduct in educational programs.
Linda McMahon met with senators who will determine whether she will be confirmed to her post in Trump’s second administration, while her apparent lack of experience in schools is debated.
In this July 18, 2024, file photo, former Small Business Administration Administrator Linda McMahon speaks on the final day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images, FILE
U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar granted a stay of the case pending a decision by the Maryland Supreme Court under the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 (CVA). The CVA could repeal the statute of limitations in certain civil actions related to child sexual abuse, according to Maryland House Bill 1. This includes sexual abuse and any other sexual conduct that constitutes a crime.
Earlier this week, the defendants, WWE, its parent company TKO and the McMahons, requested a stay of the case until the Maryland Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the CVA. The defendants argued that a motion to stay was essential in the case involving alleged abuse that occurred about four decades ago. A decision from the High Court is expected on August 31, 2025.
The scathing trial took place just weeks before Linda McMahon was appointed Secretary of Education. The decades-old sexual abuse allegations were criticized by his lawyer, Laura Brevetti. In November, Brevetti told ABC News that the FBI investigated the allegations at the time and found no reason to further investigate the allegations, calling the most recent lawsuit “meritless.”
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit did not immediately respond to ABC News’ requests for comment. However, the allegations could impact McMahon’s confirmation to the cabinet post.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., told ABC News that if there was evidence that Linda McMahon covered up the alleged sexual abuse scandal, it would be a “very big concern.”
