WWE, TKO, Vince & Linda McMahon Face Sexual Assault Lawsuit From Former Ring Boys

A new civil lawsuit regarding sexual assault has been filed against Vince McMahon, his wife Linda McMahon, WWE, and its parent company TKO. Law firm DiCello Levitt and Murphy, Falcon & Murphy filed the lawsuit on behalf of five anonymous clients, who are accusing former WWE ring announcer Mel Phillips of sexual abuse against minors.

The firm's press release announcing the lawsuit reveals that the clients are all former "ring boys" — underage boys who were brought on to help assemble the ring before WWE matches in the 1980s and into the 1990s. According to the lawsuit, Phillips (who died in 2012) groomed and sexually assaulted the children, with both Vince and Linda McMahon said to be aware of what was occurring but did not act to stop it.

Another ongoing lawsuit against Vince McMahon, from former WWE employee Janel Grant, is credited with bringing more attention to the former CEO's actions and inspiring the accusers to come forward. Additionally, today's press release states that the FBI has already uncovered at least 10 individuals who were victims of Phillips, and there are likely many more who have yet to speak out.

"The WWE and McMahons had a responsibility to these underaged boys, and they failed them in the worst way possible," said lawyer Mark DiCello. "We will vigorously fight to uncover the truth about this systemic, insidious, and life-altering abuse. ... We commend our clients for their bravery in coming forward and promise to relentlessly seek justice for them."

Today's lawsuit is just the latest scandal to emerge surrounding Vince McMahon over the last several years. In addition to Grant's pending civil lawsuit, McMahon is reportedly under federal investigation regarding claims of sexual abuse and trafficking involving himself and others within WWE. Netflix's "Mr. McMahon," released last month, documented the latest round of accusations against McMahon and his exit from the company, with the accusations against Phillips mentioned in an earlier episode as well.

Information regarding the "Ring Boy Scandal" isn't new, as sexual abuse allegations were made against Phillips as well as former wrestler Terry Garvin dating back to the 1990s. At the time, the accusers agreed to a settlement with the company; Phillips, Garvin, and Pat Patterson were let go over the matter. However, Patterson was brought back several years later.

Earlier this year, a former "ring boy" came forward, without revealing his full identity, to discuss the allegations against McMahon and others within WWE. The discussion took place on a podcast hosted by Lee Cole, whose brother Tom Cole was a former "ring boy" and was one of the first victims to speak out. Tom Cole committed suicide in 2021, with his brother Lee dedicating a great deal of time to advocating for Tom and other victims.