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Published January 29, 2024, 9:24 p.m. ET
Nikki and Brie Garcia released a statement amid sexual assault and human trafficking allegations against Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis, their stepfather from WWE.GC Images
Nikki and Brie Garcia have issued a vague statement amid sexual assault and human trafficking allegations against WWE founder Vince McMahon and the organization's former head of talent relations John Laurinaitis, who is their stepfather.
“We are shocked and disheartened by the recent allegations against members of WWE,” the 40-year-old twins and retired wrestlers said in a joint Instagram post on Monday.
“It's been a lot to take in since we found out last week, just like all of you,” they continued. “This is something we do not stand for or condone, no matter who it is.”
They concluded: “We want all women to feel safe and supported in the workplace and in their everyday lives.”
Many commentators were quick to condemn the Garcias for not mentioning the defendant's name – particularly Laurinaitis.
The twins and retired wrestlers said they were “shocked and disheartened by the recent allegations against members of the WWE.” Getty Images
“Nikki…Brie…I can't imagine how you feel, but calling them 'members of the WWE' like it's not your literal stepdad…come on…” one critic remarked.
Someone else added: “That's weird, isn't it?” Isn't your stepdad involved? Why should you comment on this? And with this hollow answer, especially considering that you no longer work in the company. If you don’t have anything substantive to say, you could have kept that bs statement.”
A third wrote: “To be honest this post feels intentionally misleading. When you say “members of the WWE,” you are distancing yourself from the fact that one of those “members” is your stepfather. This feels like saying to “cover our asses” post.”
“It's been a lot to process since we found out last week, as have all of you,” they continued, without naming the defendant. Courtesy of YouTube/WWE
However, some felt sorry for Nikki and Brie's mother, Kathy Laurinaitis, who married John, who wrestled under the name Johnny Ace, in March 2016.
“This is heartbreaking. “To think that your mother found a good man and then all of this comes to light would devastate me,” one supporter complained.
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A former WWE employee named Janel Grant sued McMahon and John last week, accusing them of depraved “sexual slavery.”
In her lawsuit, Grant alleged that McMahon, 78, had injury-inducing sex with her – sometimes with sex toys named after wrestling stars – before selling her to other company executives, including John, when she worked there.
Nikki and Brie's mother, Kathy Laurinaitis, married John in March 2016. Nikki Garcia/Instagram
Grant alleged in her complaint that McMahon and John, 61, once forced themselves on her and took turns holding her for each other while sexually assaulting her at WWE offices in 2021.
She further claimed in her filing that McMahon defecated on his head once during a threesome in 2020.
He quickly denied the allegations, but still resigned from his position as head of WWE parent company TKO Group Holdings.
A former WWE employee recently sued McMahon and John for alleged depraved “sexual slavery.” Nikki Garcia/Instagram
“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.”
He continued: “Out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO Company and its board members and shareholders, partners and constituents, and all the employees and Superstars who have helped make WWE the global leader it is today, I did it.” I have decided to resign from my chairmanship and the TKO board with immediate effect.”
John did not immediately respond to Page Six's request for comment.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-330-0226.
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