Janel Grant voluntarily dismisses claims against John Laurinaitis

  • Ian Carey
  • By 

Attorneys for Janel Grant have dismissed all claims against John Laurinaitis in her ongoing lawsuit alleging sexual abuse involving WWE and Vince McMahon.

In a court filing submitted Wednesday to the United States District Court of Connecticut, Grant voluntarily dismissed the case with prejudice as it relates to Laurinaitis. This means she cannot refile the claims against him. The dismissal applies only to Laurinaitis. Grant is continuing her legal action against WWE and Vince McMahon.

Today’s filing reads: 

“Plaintiff Janel Grant hereby stipulates with Defendant John Laurinaitis that the above-entitled action is voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice, against Defendant John Laurinaitis. For the sake of clarity, Plaintiff is not dismissing any claims against any defendant other than Mr. Laurinaitis. Each party shall bear its own costs.”

The filing states that each party will bear their own legal costs.

In a statement to Post Wrestling, Grant’s lawyers say that Laurinaitis has agreed to provide evidence for Grant’s lawsuit against McMahon and WWE. Brandon Thurston would later clarify that the statement comes from both Grant and Laurinaitis.

“John Laurinaitis has agreed to cooperate and provide evidence in Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE. His agreement to a confidential settlement is a pivotal next step toward holding McMahon and WWE accountable and bringing justice to Ms. Grant after years of sexual abuse and trafficking. Mr. Laurinaitis looks forward to moving on with his life. We cannot provide any additional details at this time.”

The case is currently awaiting a ruling on whether it will be sent to private arbitration. Lawyers for the defendents have until June 13 to refile their motion to compel arbitration. Grant’s team will have until June 23 to respond, and a decision will be made after. 

Earlier this month, a federal judge granted Grant’s request to file an amended complaint to include information regarding WWE’s settlement with the SEC over undisclosed payments, expanded allegations of abuse, the naming of alleged enablers, and efforts to obtain medical records from a doctor she alleges was paid by McMahon.