UPDATE: WWE issued the following statement to Wrestlezone, denying this morning’s allegations about the treatment of talent at their television tapings.
“These accusations aren’t true. Employees know they can confidentially go to Human Resources, not the public. Notwithstanding the appropriate protocol, no one would be fired if they were uncomfortable with their surroundings. We’ve made accommodations for individuals upon request.”
Spectrum News 13’s Stephanie Coueignoux also says she followed up again after receiving the same statement on the company’s practice of social distancing. According to her, a WWE representative replied by saying they were taking the right precautions outside of its performances, and adjusted their production schedule to accommodate as well.
As WWE continues to tape television in Florida in spite of social distancing guidelines due to the Coronavirus pandemic, one employee is now speaking out in hopes that the television tapings can be canceled so that WWE employees can follow social distancing guidelines.
During a meeting of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, a WWE employee who is choosing to go by the name of John in order to remain anonymous, submitted a public comment saying that he feels forced to work and is afraid to speak out due to fear of termination but is asking the Florida government to shut down the television tapings so that WWE employees may properly follow social distancing guidelines.
Thanks to Jon Alba on Twitter for the footage.
At Tuesday's Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting, a #WWE employee named "John" submitted public comment they're being "forced to work" TV tapings despite stay at home orders. Says he's unable to speak out and feels he will be fired if he approaches his higher-ups. pic.twitter.com/UJTvX1RGc7
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) April 21, 2020
In recent weeks, there have been many changes to WWE’s television taping schedule. WWE was deemed an essential business by Florida governor, Rick DeSantis via an April 9 Executive Order. Most recently, WWE put out a schedule that sees them taping television which will carry their programming through July 8th. Learn more about that at this link.
WrestleZone has reached out to WWE for comment on this matter and will update the story with any and all information
