Nikki and Brie Garcia made their first public feedback in regards to the sexual assault claims made towards former WWE boss Vince McMahon and his former head of expertise relations John Laurinaitis, who’s the previous wrestlers’ stepfather.
Former WWE worker Janel Grant filed a criticism in federal court docket in Connecticut final week claiming McMahon would have injury-causing intercourse along with her and sex-trafficked her to different executives within the firm, together with Laurinaitis.
“We’re shocked and disheartened with the current allegations towards members of the WWE,” the Garcia twins mentioned in a joint publish on Instagram. “It has been quite a bit to course of since we came upon this previous week, simply as you all did. That is one thing we don’t stand for or condone from anybody irrespective of who they’re.
“We wish all girls to really feel protected and supported within the office and of their on a regular basis lives.”
The 2 former WWE stars, who had been the Bella Twins within the firm, didn’t point out both McMahon or Laurinaitis by identify of their quick assertion.
Laurinaitis, who can also be named as a defendant within the swimsuit, is married the Garcia twins’ mom Kathy in March 2016.
He was terminated by WWE in 2022 as he was beneath investigation by the corporate because it seemed into sexual misconduct and hush cash allegations towards McMahon.
The surprising lawsuit was filed final Thursday and shook the wrestling world over the allegations towards one of many sport’s most iconic names.
Within the swimsuit, Grant claimed that McMahon would use intercourse toys on her named after wrestling stars that prompted bruising and bleeding.
The previous worker additionally claimed that McMahon and Laurinaitis as soon as pressured themselves on her at WWE places of work as they took turns holding her down whereas the others sexually assaulted her, in keeping with the lawsuit.
The bombshell swimsuit alleges that McMahon and Laurinaitis advised Grant throughout the assault, “No means sure” and “Take it, b—h.”
A day after the swimsuit was filed, McMahon stepped down as government chairman of WWE-parent TKO Group Holdings, however has denied the allegations.
“I stand by my prior assertion that Ms. Grant’s lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up cases that by no means occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the reality,” McMahon mentioned in an announcement. “I intend to vigorously defend myself towards these baseless accusations, and look ahead to clearing my identify.”
Laurinaitis has not made any public statements in regards to the allegations.
Nikki and Brie formally left WWE in 2023 after debuting in 2008 and had been inducted into the WWE Corridor of Fame in 2021
