There has been a new update in the ring boys lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon.
As previously reported, the Maryland Supreme Court ruled that the Child Victims Act was constitutional. This allowed the ring boys lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon to continue. The suit was filed on behalf of five individuals who previously worked for WWE, and they alleged that they were sexually abused by former announcer Mel Phillips during their time in WWE, and the company knew and did nothing to stop or prevent it.
“In an update, DiCello Levitt issued a press release about the continuation of the lawsuit and noted that additional plaintiffs have been added to it. (H/t POST Wrestling)
The underaged Ring Boys were groomed, exploited, and sexually abused by Phillips, who targeted children from broken homes. His sexual assaults occurred not only at the wrestling venues, but also in hotel rooms and other locations where Phillips would shuttle the boys in plain sight. Defendants were aware of the systemic and pervasive abuse but did not prevent or stop it. The FBI previously identified at least 10 Ring Boys abused by Phillips, but there are likely countless others who have suffered in silence for decades.
Since the lawsuit was filed in October, additional survivors have come forward to seek justice and accountability for what happened to them. Monday’s decision allows the case to proceed.”
McMahon’s attorney previously said the lawsuit was “baseless” and claimed that it was “filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations, and misrepresentations.”
Plaintiffs’ Lawyer Comments
POST Wrestling also shared a statement from the plaintiffs’ lawyer Greg Gutzler, who commented on the Maryland Supreme Court’s decision.
“The Maryland Supreme Court’s decision upholding the Maryland Child Victims Act, effectively eliminating any statute of limitations on child sex abuse lawsuits, is the right one, and we hope other states will follow Maryland’s lead,” said DiCello Levitt Partner Greg Gutzler who is leading the lawsuit against the WWE, McMahons, and TKO. “Survivors of sexual assault, especially children, often do not come forward for years or even decades after the abuse occurred. This delayed disclosure happens for numerous reasons—shame, fear, or manipulation—and it has too often prevented survivors from ever seeking justice and getting accountability. It also has allowed perpetrators to continue hurting countless innocent people.”
“My clients’ lives were destroyed by the defendants who allowed and enabled the open, rampant sexual abuse to occur for years. The abuse inflicted on my clients was inexcusable; they were mere children and had the right to expect that WWE executives would take action to protect them from the predators working within the WWE. We will bring light to their truth and fight for accountability and justice.”
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
