Former WWE writers reveal hostile and sexist work environment under Vince McMahon
Several former WWE writers have revealed that Vince McMahon created a sexist and hostile work environment during his time with the promotion. The former WWE CEO stepped down from the Stamford-based company earlier this year.
In a piece written by Krystie Lee Yandoli of The Rolling Stone, six former WWE writers shared what it was like working for Vince McMahon. Five of the writers remained anonymous, but Michael Leonardi revealed his name. Leonardi discussed being fired after making a change to a segment that had Neville (now PAC in AEW) referencing Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech in 2016.
The former writer also claimed that they were instructed to stand when Vince McMahon entered the room. A spokesperson for McMahon denied those claims and stated that they were "ludicrous."
Former female writers claimed that they were subjected to inappropriate behavior while working for the company. One former writer shared that she was pulled by her waist during her time with the promotion.
“They would touch me where they would have me come closer [to them]. They would pull me by my waist to come somewhere or move closer to them. I’m just super aware that it’s kind of close to my butt and most people don’t touch me by the waist ever. I thought, ‘This is strange.’" [H/T: WrestleZone]
Vince McMahon stepped down from the company earlier this year after allegations of sex trafficking by former WWE employee Janel Grant were made public. A docuseries about the 79-year-old titled "Mr. McMahon" was released on Netflix on September 25.
Former WWE star comments on the allegations against Vince McMahon
Former WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio recently shared his thoughts on the allegations against Vince McMahon.
In a Q&A with Sportskeeda Wrestling, Del Rio noted that he doesn't know what the future held for his former boss. The 47-year-old added that the law system in America is fair and suggested that people should hold off their judgment until the truth is discovered.
"To be honest, I don't know what's gonna happen because the law system works in different ways in every state, but I can tell you this, the law system in America works and it's fair and they always find the truth. Whenever they find the truth, whatever the truth is, for one side or the other, it will be a matter of people deciding if they can take the truth or not."
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Triple H gained power in WWE following McMahon's departure. The company is currently building towards Crown Jewel on November 2.