A Maryland federal judge has temporarily halted a sexual abuse lawsuit against Linda McMahon, the former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) executive nominated by President-elect Trump for the position of Education Secretary. The lawsuit, which involves allegations of sexual abuse within WWE, will remain on hold while a state court evaluates a key Maryland law that could significantly impact the case’s outcome.
The lawsuit claims that McMahon and her husband, Vince McMahon — who jointly led WWE from the early 1980s — failed to take action on credible reports that a WWE employee sexually abused “ring boys.” These young assistants, who were often tasked with errands before wrestling events, allege that they were abused by Melvin Phillips Jr., a former WWE announcer and crew chief, in the 1980s. Phillips, who passed away in 2012, is accused of grooming and exploiting the young boys, some of whom were as young as 13 years old at the time.
The plaintiffs, five former ring boys, filed the lawsuit against McMahon, her husband, WWE, and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, claiming the McMahons and WWE failed to protect them from abuse. The lawsuit asserts that the defendants had a responsibility to safeguard the children in their care but neglected to take any preventative action, allowing the abuse to continue.
In response, McMahon’s attorney, Laura Brevetti, firmly denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit “filled with scurrilous lies, exaggerations, and misrepresentations.” Brevetti further emphasized that McMahon and her husband had no knowledge of the abuse.
Judge James K. Bredar of the U.S. District Court for Maryland issued a stay of the lawsuit on Tuesday, following a request from the defendants. The judge stated that the case would be paused until the Maryland Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of a new state law that removes the statute of limitations for certain civil lawsuits related to child sexual abuse. The 2023 law allows more victims to pursue legal action, and its outcome could have a significant impact on this case.
The lawsuit was filed just days before McMahon’s appointment as Education Secretary was announced. Her nomination has already sparked controversy, with critics raising concerns about her lack of experience in education and her support for policies like school choice. Some worry that her history at WWE, including allegations of sexual harassment and abuse, could affect her ability to enforce critical laws such as Title IX, which safeguards students from sex discrimination and harassment in educational settings.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, expressed concern about McMahon’s qualifications for the role, stating, “Education is about providing opportunity and protecting children. Regardless of this case’s legal status, the secretary-designee will have to address these serious allegations in her confirmation hearings.”
As the legal proceedings unfold, McMahon’s confirmation as Education Secretary will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized, with many eager to see how the allegations and the pending legal decision will affect her nomination.
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