WWE has faced numerous controversies over the years, some of which have faded from public memory. One such incident, the ring boy scandal, resurfaced in the Netflix docuseries about Vince McMahon. Now, this scandal is part of a new lawsuit targeting Vince and Linda McMahon.
Recently, law firms DiCello Levitt and Murphy, Falcon & Murphy initiated legal action against World Wrestling Entertainment, Vince and Linda McMahon, and TKO Group Holdings, Inc. The suit was filed on behalf of five individuals, named as John Does 1-5, who claim they were victims of $exual abuse as teenagers while working for WWE.
The core of the lawsuit focuses on accusations against former WWF ringside announcer and ring crew chief Melvin Phillips Jr., who allegedly abused underage boys employed to help with event logistics. The suit asserts that the abuse occurred in various locations, including venues and hotel rooms, where Phillips would take the boys under the guise of work duties. According to the plaintiffs, Vince and Linda were aware of the situation but failed to intervene.
Greg Gutzler, lead attorney for the plaintiffs at DiCello Levitt, remarked, “Thanks to the bravery of our clients, we finally have a chance to hold accountable those who allowed and enabled the open, rampant $exual abuse of these young boys. That so many were aware of the $exual abuse of the Ring Boys and did nothing to prevent or stop it is simply unconscionable.”
The survivors, now adults, only recently learned the extent of WWE management’s alleged knowledge about the abuse. The lawsuit suggests that recent corporate shifts in WWE, including Vince McMahon stepping down as CEO and the company’s merger with TKO Group Holdings, have given the survivors the courage to come forward. Changes in Maryland’s $ex abuse laws also made the filing of this lawsuit possible.
Mark DiCello, a founding partner at DiCello Levitt, underscored the significance of the case, stating, “The WWE and McMahon had a responsibility to these underaged boys, and they failed them in the worst way possible. 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.”
Marci Hamilton, founder and CEO of the nonprofit CHILD USA, praised the survivors for their courage, noting that many child $exual abuse victims remain silent due to fear and trauma. “These survivors are profiles in courage. One-third of child $ex abuse victims never come forward, silenced by shame, humiliation, and trauma,” she said. Hamilton stressed the importance of statute of limitations reforms, adding, “due to the Maryland window we fought for, these brave survivors can seek justice.”
The lawsuit, which was filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, Maryland, represents a significant moment for survivors of childhood $exual abuse. DiCello Levitt, known for handling high-profile cases, has represented victims in other notable lawsuits, including the civil case against fashion mogul Peter Nygard.
WATCH: Stephanie McMahon Kisses Vince McMahon:
