Janel Grant’s team conducted a virtual press briefing less than one week before the Vince McMahon docuseries premieres on Netflix.
Following years of speculation and uncertainty, the Vince McMahon docuseries titled Mr. McMahon will air on the streaming platform on September 25th. The series will also cover the allegations that are in the lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant, who accused McMahon of sexual misconduct and trafficking. John Laurinaitis and WWE are also named in the lawsuit.
Conducting the press briefing were Grant’s attorney Ann Callis and Kendra Barkoff Lamy of SKDK, the PR firm representing Grant. Callis issued the following opening statement before opening up to questions from the media:
“Janel’s story is an important one, and we hope Netflix’s docuseries does it justice. Her experience is integral to an accurate and full re-telling of the story of the WWE and Mr. McMahon. While Janel didn’t participate in the Netflix docuseries, we hope it shines a light on the abhorent actions of McMahon, frequently on the WWE property, and it portrays the realities of his abusive and exploitative behavior. Many of the stories in the last few months have not portrayed her in the way she deserves to portrayed as a survivor of human trafficking and sexual abuse.” [Fightful]
Janel Grant’s Team Asked About Vince McMahon And Upcoming Docuseries
The first question concerned if they expected more alleged victims to come forward, which Callis said that they did anticipate more victims to speak out but have not spoken to anyone within WWE due to the non-public investigation. Callis also referenced the previous hush money payments made by McMahon.
When asked if they had seen the upcoming project ahead of time, Callis stated that they had not and that Grant should have the opportunity to tell her own story and not be a part of someone else’s:
“We have not seen the documentary. Janel deserves the opportunity to tell her full story, not be a part of someone else’s. She will get her day in court, and [Vince] McMahon will be held accountable. And Janel has the right to tell her story in her own way at the right time.”
“Janel’s story is an important one, and we hope Neftlix’s docuseries does it justice,” Callis said. “Her experience is integral to an accurate and whole retelling of the story of the WWE and Mr. McMahon.”
When asked if there was any contact from WWE themselves regarding the lawsuit, Callis responded that there was some in the beginning but the company has been quiet since:
“There was some initial outreach right after the lawsuit was filed,” she responded during the briefing. “Very brief, and we have really not heard anything since then.”
In the closing statement, Callis told the media that Grant is a human being, a victim and a survivor, not a WWE storyline. Lamy added that the media need to be mindful of the emotional trauma when reporting.
Quote obtained via F4WOnline unless stated otherwise.
Featured image: WWE
