Linda McMahon Faces Lawsuit Over Allegations of Enabling Child S*xual Ab.u.se

Linda McMahon, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Education, is facing a lawsuit alleging her involvement in enabling child s*xual exploitation during her tenure as CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The lawsuit, filed in Maryland in October 2023, accuses McMahon, her husband Vince McMahon, and WWE of negligence, allowing a culture of ab.u.se to flourish.

The lawsuit centers on allegations against Melvin Phillips Jr., a former WWE ringside announcer. Phillips is accused of using his position to recruit young boys, aged 13 to 15, as “Ring Boys” under the guise of assisting at wrestling events, while exploiting them s*xually. The filing claims the McMahons were aware of Phillips’ actions as early as the 1980s but failed to act decisively, rehiring him after initially firing him in 1988.

The plaintiffs, represented under the Maryland Child Victims Act, which removes the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits in certain child ab.u.se cases, allege that the McMahons ignored clear warning signs. The lawsuit seeks over $30,000 in damages for mental and emotional harm suffered by the victims.

Linda McMahon has denied all allegations, with her attorney, Laura Brevetti, describing the claims as “scurrilous lies” and promising a vigorous defense. WWE and Vince McMahon have also denied any wrongdoing.

This controversy resurfaces longstanding accusations against Vince McMahon, who recently stepped down from his role as chairman of WWE’s parent company following allegations of s*xual assault and trafficking. However, sources indicate Linda McMahon has not been implicated in ongoing criminal investigations involving her husband.

Linda McMahon previously served as head of the Small Business Administration in Trump’s first term and currently chairs the America First Policy Institute. Despite her departure from WWE in 2009, these allegations cast a shadow over her nomination for Secretary of Education, raising questions about her oversight of child safety during her leadership tenure.

As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of accountability and vigilance in protecting children from systemic ab.u.se.