April 29, 2024 Observer Newsletter: Vince McMahon responds to Janel Grant lawsuit; AEW Dynasty recap
The key aspect of the filing was that the claims of sexual abuse and coercion “are pure fiction,” disputing many of her claims in the lawsuit about her life and the relationship.
The key point they are arguing legally is that the NDA signed between McMahon and Grant would not have allowed such a lawsuit to be filed, and she violated the agreement. They did introduce evidence that had a provision that any dispute would have to be settled by arbitration.
The NDA agreement, which called for McMahon to pay Grant $3 million, contained a clause that stated, “By signing this agreement, Grant acknowledges that she will have waived any right she may have had to pursue or bring a lawsuit or make any legal claims against McMahon and/or WWE, and any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives.”
McMahon’s attorneys, James A. Budinetz of Hartford, CT, and Jessica T. Rosenberg and Jonathan L. Shapiro of Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP, filed the argument that the case, based on that wording, says the case has to be decided in arbitration.
Essentially the key argument would look to be whether McMahon’s failure to make the $500,000 payments to Grant on February 1, 2023 and February 1, 2024, renders the NDA agreement clauses unenforceable. The agreement would have also called for $500,000 payments on February 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026.
This would explain why Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, was attempting to get a ruling that the entire NDA would be thrown out.
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Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.