WWE Lawsuit Alleges Systemic Abuse and Cover-Up

Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) are facing a lawsuit alleging that they knowingly allowed the sexual exploitation of young boys by ringside announcer Melvin Phillips Jr. during the 1980s and 1990s. The lawsuit, filed in Baltimore County, Maryland, claims McMahon and his wife Linda were aware of Phillips' predatory behavior and did nothing to prevent the abuse, which occurred at wrestling events, hotels, and other venues. The suit is brought by five former 'ring boys' who allege they were groomed and abused by Phillips, who manipulated them with promises of meeting wrestlers and filmed some of the assaults. Phillips, who died in 2012, is said to have documented some of these acts. McMahon's lawyer has dismissed the allegations as false and defamatory, referencing similar claims from a 1992 report by journalist Phil Mushnick. The lawsuit seeks to hold the McMahons and WWE accountable for fostering a culture of abuse.