Report: Vince McMahon Paid More Than $12 Million In Hush Money Over Alleged Sexual Relationships

In the latest revelation from the Wall Street Journal, it has been reported that Vince McMahon has agreed to pay more than $12 million in hush money in the past 16 years to "suppress allegations of sexual misconduct and infidelity."

The money was paid to four women who each signed nondisclosure agreements that prevent them from speaking about their relationships with McMahon and from talking about any potential legal claims against the 76-year-old. 

One agreement was a $7.5 million settlement with a former talent who claimed McMahon "coerced her into giving him oral sex." The unnamed talent was then demoted before McMahon decided not to renew her contract in 2005 after she refused to have further sexual relations with him. The former talent approached McMahon in 2018 and a settlement was reached. 

In another agreement, a "WWE contractor" presented unsolicited nude photos of McMahon that she claimed to have received from him. She also alleged that McMahon sexually harassed her and a roughly $1 million settlement was agreed upon in 2008. 

Furthermore, a former manager alleged that McMahon initiated a sexual relationship with her and she was paid $1 million to stay silent in 2006. 

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that the WWE Board were investigating a $3 million hush payment made by McMahon to a former employee over an alleged sexual relationship. A special committee of the WWE Board have since begun investigating misconduct allegations against McMahon and WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis. McMahon has stepped down as WWE Chairman and CEO while the investigation is ongoing but he remains in charge of WWE creative. Laurinaitis, meanwhile, has been placed on administrative leave. 

Of the agreements, WWE's board are investigating the $3 million settlement and the 2018 agreement with a former WWE talent. It is unknown if the other two agreements are being investigated. 

In regards to John Laurinaitis, WWE's board are also looking into a $1.5 million nondisclosure agreement from 2012 in which an employee accused him of misconduct.