The World Wrestling Entertainment Board is investigating longtime CEO Vince McMahon over a secret $3 million settlement paid to a former employee with whom he allegedly had a romantic relationship, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.
The separation agreement, from January 2022, includes a nondisclosure clause wherein the ex-employee
who was first hired as a paralegal in 2019 and two years later became an assistant to talent relations chief John Laurinaitis — is barred from disparaging McMahon or speaking publicly about their affair.
The board’s investigation, which began in April, also revealed further NDAs related to claims made by women formerly employed by the company,
who alleged misconduct by McMahon and Laurinaitis. These agreements also included payments totaling in the millions of dollars.
Per the WSJ, the board’s remaining 11 members found out about the matter through an email that came from an anonymous individual who claimed to be friends with the former employee.
The first email — sent March 30 — stated that McMahon initially hired the woman at a salary of $100,000 but allegedly doubled it after beginning a sexual relationship with her.