According to a new report from Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics, a judge has ruled that the ongoing lawsuit from former WWF ring boys being sexually assaulted in the 1980s and early 1990s by a ring announcer will continue.
According to Thurston’s report, Judge James Bredar of the U.S. District Court in Maryland in a ruling and a 48-page opinion, ordering that the case continue, but with separation on who the plaintiffs have claims against.
The suit, which was filed on October 23, 2024, accuses Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon and WWE of having knowledge that Mel Phillips sexual assaulted underage boys who at the time worked as part of the ring crew in 1980s and 1990s. In addition, the suit also notes that despite the McMahon’s knowing what was taking place, did nothing to prevent it or step in to stop it. Phillips was terminated by WWE in 1992 by after the allegations went public. He passed away in 2012.
There have been efforts on the side of defendants’ to get the suit thrown out, but with no success. One plaintiff, who was only named as John Doe 7 is no longer involved following the ruling as his claims have been “dismissed without prejudice.” This means their case can refiled at a later date but within the statute of limitations if new evidence emerges or other factors.
John Does 2 and John Doe 6’s claims still remain against Linda McMahon while the rest remain against Vince McMahon and WWE/TKO.
Secondary source: F4WOnline