VICE News is reporting that John Laurinaitis’ lawyer is rejecting the notion that he or the WWE turned a blind eye to a serious rape accusation in 2006. In fact, he is stating they knew all about it.
“Any allegations that Mr. Laurinaitus helped to cover up an alleged rape allegation is an outright lie. Johnny, like most upper level management at sometime became aware of the allegations and ensured all proper WWE protocols were followed, including privacy for the alleged victim. We object to the use of the term cover up as no such plan or plot ever took place to hide or assist in the alleged rape,” wrote Laurinaitis’ lawyer, Edward Brennan, told VICE News.
Through her lawyer, former WWE talent and Survivor contestant Ashley Massaro stated in a sworn affidavit that she was injected with a paralyzing drug and raped by someone who claimed to be a U.S. Army doctor. This was during the WWE tour of Kuwait in 2006 and Massaro had sought medical assistance upon becoming dehydrated.
Massaro died in 2019. Some media outlets reported that her death was a suicide but that was never officially confirmed.
The Naval Criminal Intelligence Service did confirm to VICE News that they investigated Massaro’s allegations but the case was closed a year later.
Massaro claimed in the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy lawsuit brought against the WWE that she reported the incident to a WWE doctor but WWE executives insisted she not speak to law enforcement about it as the WWE and their annual Tribute to the Troops was so important to the company at the time.
The WWE claimed in a later court filing that Massaro never reported the alleged rape.
John Laurinaitis is a co-defendant in the sex trafficking lawsuit along with Vince McMahon.
ASHLEY MASSARO STORIES & RELATED LINKS
- Mar. 3, 2024: Report: NCIS closed Ashley Massaro case in 2020
- Feb, 9, 2024: Massaro accuses McMahon of preying on talent in unpublished statement
- May 16, 2019: Ashley Massaro passes away
- Mar. 29, 2007: Burke dominates, wins THQ Superstar Challenge
- John Laurinaitis story archive
- McMahon family story archive