Former WWE employee interrupts Justice Department investigation

(NewsNation) — A former employee who sued World Wrestling Entertainment founder Vince McMahon over alleged sex trafficking and abuse will temporarily put her case on hold pending the conclusion of a federal investigation.

According to NBC News, Janel Grant filed suit against McMahon in January but agreed to “dismiss the case” at the request of federal prosecutors, her attorney said.

Grant’s lawyer told the news agency in a statement that, at the request of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, she had agreed to take legal action “pending the conclusion of a closed investigation.”

“We will cooperate with any appropriate next steps,” Ann Callis, an attorney for Grant, said in a statement to the outlet.

In Grant’s lawsuit, she claimed McMahon sexually exploited her and tried to market her to other WWE employees. She said McMahon abused her and allegedly forced her to have sex with John Laurinaitis, WWE’s former head of talent relations – all while she was working for the company.

At the time of filing, McMahon resigned from his position as executive chairman of WWE’s parent company TKO Group.

The lawsuit names the company, McMahon and Laurinaitis as defendants.

McMahon has denied the allegations.

“We remain confident that the evidence will show that Ms. Grant’s allegations are false and her complaint is nothing more than a fabricated, vindictive narrative from a disgruntled ex-girlfriend,” McMahon’s attorney said.

Federal authorities are currently investigating allegations of sexual assault and human trafficking against McMahon.

The background to the investigation are allegations made by several women of sexual misconduct against McMahon.