WWE’s board said Vince McMahon has “stepped back” from his responsibilities as CEO and chairman of the company while charges of misconduct are investigated and that Stephanie McMahon will serve as interim CEO and chairman.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the board was looking into a secret $3 million settlement McMahon agreed to pay to a departing employee with whom he allegedly had an affair.
“I have pledged my complete cooperation to the investigation by the Special Committee, and I will do everything possible to support the investigation. I have also pledged to accept the findings and outcome of the investigation, whatever they are,” Vince McMahon said in a statement.
The board said it was investigating McMahon and John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations at WWE. McMahon will retain his role and responsibilities related to WWE’s creative content. WWE said McMahon will appear on Smackdown Friday night on Fox.
In May, McMahon’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon, said she was stepping down from her role as CMO of WWE along with her husband, the wrestler and executive Paul Levesque.
“I love this company and am committed to working with the Independent Directors to strengthen our culture and our Company," she said in a statement. “It is extremely important to me that we have a safe and collaborative workplace. I have committed to doing everything in my power to help the Special Committee complete its work, including marshaling the cooperation of the entire company to assist in the completion of the investigation and to implement its findings.” ■
