A sex trafficking lawsuit involving Janel Grant, Vince McMahon, and WWE is likely to move out of public court proceedings.

All three parties filed a joint motion on Thursday in the U.S.

District Court for the District of Connecticut, requesting to continue their litigation in private arbitration.

This development is significant as it indicates a potential shift from public scrutiny to a confidential resolution process.

The defendants, McMahon and WWE, have consistently advocated for the case to be handled through arbitration, citing an arbitration clause within a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) Grant signed with McMahon in 2022.

While Judge Sarah F.

Russell has not yet ruled on the motion, courts typically approve joint requests from all involved parties.

The one-paragraph filing states that the parties are "in active discussions regarding a potential agreement to arbitrate the dispute in confidential arbitration." This agreement, if reached, would render the defendants' previous motion to compel arbitration moot.

The filing did not provide a reason for Grant's change in position regarding her willingness to pursue the dispute in a private forum, and her attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Representatives for McMahon declined to comment, and WWE's press representatives did not immediately respond to an inquiry.

Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, initially filed in January 2024, contains graphic allegations of sex trafficking and sexual abuse against Vince McMahon.

These allegations led to McMahon's resignation from all his roles with WWE and TKO.

McMahon has denied the allegations of sexually abusing or trafficking the plaintiff.

Prior to this joint motion, the parties were scheduled for a hearing on June 16 to debate the arbitration issue and whether Grant would be allowed to obtain evidence from the defendants.

The current filing requests that this hearing be postponed or "temporarily adjourned," with an update expected within three weeks.

Arbitration is a private process used to resolve legal disputes outside of public court.

McMahon and WWE have argued that the $3 million NDA Grant signed mandates that any disputes be handled through arbitration.

Grant had previously contended that the arbitration provision should not be enforced, asserting she was coerced into signing the NDA under duress.

Former WWE executive John Laurinaitis was also named as a defendant in the lawsuit but was later dropped after agreeing to provide Grant with evidence related to the case in May 2025.

Laurinaitis also faces allegations of sexually assaulting Grant, which he denies.

WWE is alleged to have been negligent in allowing abuse against Grant to occur.

This lawsuit brought Grant's name into the public record and followed a 2022 scandal involving alleged misconduct against her and subsequent NDA payments.

This earlier controversy led to internal and government investigations and McMahon's initial resignation from the company in July 2022, before his return six months later.