WASHINGTON, January 19, 2026 – A legal battle is intensifying over allegations of sexual abuse within professional wrestling, as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against WWE, TKO, Vince McMahon, and Linda McMahon are seeking to maintain their anonymity.The request, filed last week, underscores the sensitive nature of the claims and the plaintiffs’ desire to shield their identities during the legal proceedings.
Plaintiffs Seek to Remain ‘John Does’ in McMahon Lawsuit
The individuals allege they experienced abuse as minors and are seeking protection from public disclosure of their names.
- Plaintiffs filed a motion to continue using pseudonyms in their lawsuit.
- The lawsuit alleges sexual abuse during the 1980s involving former WWF personnel.
- Vince and Linda McMahon oppose the plaintiffs’ anonymity, while WWE and TKO have taken no position.
- The 110-page complaint details allegations of negligence by the McMahons and WWE.
The plaintiffs allege they were sexually abused when they were minors,attributing the abuse to negligence on the part of Vince and Linda McMahon. The 110-page complaint details incidents dating back to the 1980s, when the plaintiffs were teenagers. They claim that former WWF ring announcer Mel Phillips sexually abused them, and that the McMahons and WWE were aware, or should have been aware, of Phillips’ alleged dangerous behaviour towards the young men hired to assist with WWF events. Phillips passed away in 2012.
Did you know?– Vince McMahon previously stepped down as WWE chairman and CEO in July 2022 amid investigations into alleged misconduct. He later returned to the role before the sale to TKO Group Holdings.
The lawsuit alleges that the McMahons and WWE failed to protect the plaintiffs from sexual abuse by individuals associated with the association,specifically naming Mel Phillips and,in one instance,former WWE executive Pat Patterson (born Pierre Clermont),who died in 2020. The plaintiffs are seeking a protective order to limit the sharing of any identifying data during the case, fearing potential harassment or retaliation.
Pro tip– Protective orders are common in sensitive civil cases,particularly those involving allegations of sexual abuse,to safeguard the privacy of those involved and prevent intimidation.
In their motion, the plaintiffs requested that U.S.District Judge James K. Bredar maintain a protective order and keep their names out of public filings. Vince and Linda McMahon have reportedly expressed their opposition to the continued use of pseudonyms, while WWE and TKO have stated they “take no position” on the matter. The case continues to unfold, raising serious questions about accountability and the protection of individuals within the professional wrestling industry.
Reader question– What duty do organizations have to protect individuals who interact with them, even if those interactions aren’t direct employment relationships?
