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Janel Grant publicly addressed the anonymous emails that triggered WWE’s 2022 board investigation into Vince McMahon. She discussed the issue in an Instagram post on June 10, 2026. The emails became public through exhibits connected to the WWE merger lawsuit. That lawsuit recently settled in principle.
Grant denied any involvement in sending the emails. She also challenged several claims made within them. The messages were sent anonymously to WWE board members during March and April 2022. They alleged sexual misconduct involving former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and former executive John Laurinaitis.
The first email arrived on March 30, 2022, just before WrestleMania weekend. The sender claimed to be a friend of Grant. The email alleged that Grant and the sender had experienced homelessness and struggled with Percocet addiction. It further claimed they entered recovery together before Grant began working for WWE.
Grant strongly rejected those statements. She wrote that no person who knew her before 2019 could have written those claims. She also stated that she never lived on the streets and never battled a Percocet addiction. Grant said she had never entered rehabilitation for such issues.
In her Instagram response, Grant explained what she believed may have caused confusion. She said she had discussed her personal background at work. She also shared experiences involving grief counseling. Additionally, she mentioned struggles with quitting nicotine lozenges. Grant argued that those details may have been twisted into a false narrative.
Grant described reading the emails for the first time as emotionally devastating. She wrote that the experience severely impacted her mental health. She questioned why someone would portray her in such a manner and expressed frustration over the false claims.
The anonymous emails appeared to originate from a Proton Mail account using the handle “drosen77.” Court records redact the complete email address. The sender repeatedly portrayed themselves as a friend of Grant. However, Grant disputed that characterization and suggested the emails attempted to shape public opinion about her.
The first email contained several allegations regarding McMahon and Laurinaitis. It claimed McMahon increased Grant’s salary after beginning a sexual relationship with her. It also alleged that McMahon later shared her with Laurinaitis. The email further claimed Grant received millions of dollars to remain silent.
A second email arrived on April 11, 2022. The sender again alleged that WWE leadership exploited Grant. The message stated that company lawyers knew about settlements. It also claimed WWE paid for her silence. Unlike the first email, the second email reportedly included Grant’s name, making the allegations more specific.
A third email followed on April 14, 2022. That message contained graphic accusations involving McMahon, Laurinaitis, and Grant. It referenced alleged photographs and sexual activity. The email also incorrectly described Grant as a 25-year-old employee.
Grant noted that she was actually 41 years old at the time. She expressed concern about the implications of the third email. Grant wrote that she felt sick wondering whether it suggested unauthorized recordings or images existed. She also questioned whether media outlets may have received similar claims.
The anonymous emails played a significant role in events that followed. In June 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported that WWE’s board had launched an investigation into McMahon. The report focused on allegations of misconduct and a $3 million nondisclosure agreement involving an employee later identified as Grant.
Further reporting uncovered additional nondisclosure agreements and millions of dollars in payments. Those payments allegedly should have appeared in WWE financial filings. The revelations created significant scrutiny for WWE leadership and ultimately contributed to major corporate changes.
Grant remains the plaintiff in an ongoing federal lawsuit in Connecticut. She alleges that McMahon sexually abused and sex trafficked her. McMahon denies those allegations.
Grant also shared excerpts from depositions given by WWE President Nick Khan and former executive Frank Riddick. Their testimony provided insight into how WWE leaders responded to the anonymous messages.
Khan testified that the first email did not appear credible. He explained that WWE regularly received unusual communications from passionate fans. As a result, he initially viewed the email as another erratic message. He said it did not seem real when he first read it.
However, Khan stated that the second email changed his perspective. Because it included Grant’s name, he recognized the person being referenced. He testified that the matter became serious after receiving that message.
Khan said he asked then-Chief Financial Officer Frank Riddick to determine whether WWE had made payments beyond standard payroll. He also sought information about any complaints that may have been filed through human resources.
After the third email arrived, Khan said WWE launched a full investigation. He described it as one of the most serious matters he had seen handled by the board. Independent board members then began examining the allegations.
Riddick offered a similar account. He testified that he initially believed the first email might be an attempt to extort money. However, as more specific information emerged, he concluded the situation appeared legitimate. He said the details in later emails convinced him the matter was not a scam.
Riddick also testified that WWE’s board attempted to determine who sent the emails. However, he said he did not know whether investigators ever identified the sender. He further stated that he contacted WWE’s legal department after receiving the initial message.
Grant additionally highlighted the timing of changes within WWE’s legal leadership. WWE announced a new general counsel on April 7, 2022. The previous general counsel, Samira Shah, departed the company. Grant suggested the timing deserved attention, though no direct connection was established in the article.
Overall, Grant’s public comments focused on correcting what she called false statements in the anonymous emails. She denied any involvement in sending them and challenged several claims about her personal history. At the same time, deposition testimony showed how those emails eventually led WWE’s board to launch an investigation that became one of the most significant corporate controversies in the company’s history.
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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