Details on Maryland Lawsuit against Vince McMahon

A lawsuit filed on October 23, 2024, in Baltimore County, Maryland, accuses WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, his wife Linda McMahon, WWE, and TKO Group of covering up sexual abuse by former ringside announcer Melvin Phillips during the 1980s and 1990s. Five anonymous plaintiffs, identified as "John Does," claim Phillips groomed and abused them as minors, alleging WWE, TKO Group, and the McMahons were aware but failed to protect them. The suit contends WWE prioritized its image over safety.

Representing the plaintiffs is William "Billy" Murphy, a well-known Baltimore attorney with experience in civil rights cases and advocacy for abuse survivors. Known for his work in holding institutions accountable, Murphy brings significant expertise to the case, seeking justice for the plaintiffs and accountability from WWE’s leadership.

Vince McMahon’s attorney, Jessica Rosenberg, called the accusations “absurd, defamatory, and meritless.” Recent changes to Maryland law allow survivors to file lawsuits for abuse cases previously exceeding the statute of limitations.