Nikki and Brie Garcia spoke publicly for the first time about the sexual assault allegations against former WWE boss Vince McMahon and his former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis, the former wrestlers' stepfather.
Former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a complaint in Connecticut federal court last week alleging that McMahon had injurious sex with her and sexually assaulted her with other company executives, including Laurinaitis.
“We are shocked and disheartened by the recent allegations against members of WWE,” the Garcia twins said in a joint post on Instagram. “It's been a lot to take in since we found out last week, just like all of you. This is something we do not stand for or condone, no matter who it is.
“We want all women to feel safe and supported in the workplace and in their everyday lives.”
The two former WWE stars, who were the Bella Twins in the company, did not mention McMahon or Laurinaitis by name in their brief statement.
Brie and Nikki Garcia Getty Images John Laurinaitis Courtesy of Youtube/WWE
Laurinaitis, who is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit, married the Garcia twins' mother, Kathy, in March 2016.
He was terminated by WWE in 2022 as he was under investigation by the company related to sexual misconduct and hush money allegations against McMahon.
The shocking lawsuit was filed last Thursday and shocked the wrestling world amid allegations against one of the sport's most recognizable names.
In the lawsuit, Grant alleged that McMahon would use sex toys named after wrestling stars on her, causing bruising and bleeding.
The former employee also alleged that McMahon and Laurinaitis once forced themselves on her in WWE offices as they took turns holding her down while the others sexually assaulted her, the lawsuit says.
The bombshell lawsuit alleges that McMahon and Laurinaitis told Grant during the attack, “No means yes” and “Take it, bh.”
A day after the lawsuit was filed, McMahon resigned as chairman of WWE parent company TKO Group Holdings but denied the allegations.
“I stand by my previous statement that Ms. Grant's lawsuit is full of lies and obscene fabricated incidents that never occurred and represents a vindictive distortion of the truth,” McMahon said in a statement. “I plan to vigorously defend myself against these unfounded allegations and look forward to clearing my name.”
Kathy Garcia married John Laurinaitis in 2016. Nikki Garcia/Instagram Vince McMahon Getty Images
Laurinaitis has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Nikki and Brie officially left WWE in 2023 after debuting in 2008 and were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021