Report: WWE CEO Paid $12M in Hush Money

    Image copyright: WWE [via Forbes]

    The Facts

    • World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. (WWE) CEO Vince McMahon reportedly paid over $12M in hush money to four women over the past 16 years regarding allegations of sexual harassment and infidelity.

    • According to the Wall Street Journal, one payment in 2018 was $7.5M to a former wrestler who claimed McMahon coerced her into sexual relations and then demoted her until her contract expired when she refused to further engage.


    The Spin

    Narrative A

    McMahon has historically gotten away with a lot and strategically remained in charge of WWE business affairs despite a string of allegations. The latest news of sexual misconduct, however, could prove that his power and luck are running out.

    Narrative B

    Even with these recent allegations, the decision to resign is still in McMahon's hands. His disproportionate voting power among WWE shareholders means he can't really be voted out; unless overwhelming outside public pressure forces him to step down, he could be here to stay.


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