WWE stars Nikki and Brie Bella have broken their silence about sexual abuse and sex trafficking allegations against their stepfather John Laurinaitis and WWE co-founder Vince McMahon.
The Bella sisters shared their concerns after former WWE employee Janelle Grant came forward with serious charges against both men.
“We are shocked and disappointed by the recent allegations against members of WWE.” bella sisters he wrote on Twitter Monday night. “Like everyone, I've had a lot to process since finding out last week.”
— Nikki & Brie (@NikkiAndBrie) January 29, 2024
Nikki and Brie went on to say, “This is not something we support or condone for anyone.”
Their message was viewed more than 1.7 million times on social media accounts within 24 hours.
Mr Grant submitted documents to the court alleging that Mr McMahon repeatedly sexually assaulted and trafficked him during his three years with the organization. She detailed her charges and gave several examples of assault charges, including an incident in which she accused McMahon of forcing her to have a threesome with Laurinaitis, according to the report. TMZ.
NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 6: Brie Bella and Nikki Bella attend WWE's first ever Emmy Awards 'For Your Con' held at the Saban Media Center on June 6, 2018 in North Hollywood, California. Attend “Consideration” event. (Photo by John Kopaloff/Getty Images)
According to TMZ, Grant said McMahon threatened her employment during the time she was allegedly forced into sex acts and trafficked.
The Bella twins did not directly address the allegations against their stepfather, other than to say that they do not condone abuse of any kind.
“We want all women to feel safe and supported at work and in their daily lives,” they said in a statement.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 8: WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon announces WWE Network at the 2014 International CES held at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, NV. He spoke at a press conference. The network launched on February 24, 2014 as the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, offering both scheduled programming and video-on-demand. The $9.99 monthly subscription includes access to all 12 of WWE's live pay-per-view events each year. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, will run through January 10, with 3,200 exhibitors scheduled to show off their latest products and services to approximately 150,000 attendees. (Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images) This is not the first time Laurinaitis has been accused of inappropriate sexual conduct. When the sexual abuse allegations first surfaced in 2022, WWE released him, but he did not return to WWE.
Laurinaitis is married to Kathy Koles, the mother of Nikki and Brie Bella.
Although they did not mention their father-in-law by name in their statement, this is the first time the sisters have directly addressed the allegations against them. (Related: Former WWE Employee Janelle Grant Accuses Vince McMahon of Sex Trafficking, Lawsuit Reported: Report)
Neither McMahon nor Laurinaitis have addressed the allegations against them. This allegation has not been proven in court.
This story will continue to develop further.
