UPDATED with Janel Grant response: Former WWE boss Vince McMahon is not happy with the upcoming Netflix docuseries Mr. McMahon.
In a statement posted on X, McMahon admits he doesn’t regret participating in the docuseries, but says “A lot has been misrepresented or left out entirely in an effort to leave viewers intentionally confused.”
Directed and executive produced by Chris Smith (Tiger King), the six-episode docuseries chronicles the rise and fall of McMahon.
Here is McMahon’s statement in full:
“I don’t regret participating in this Netflix documentary. The producers had an opportunity to tell an objective story about my life and the incredible business I built, which were equally filled with excitement, drama, fun, and a fair amount of controversy and life lessons. Unfortunately, based on an early partial cut I’ve seen, this doc falls short and takes the predictable path of conflating the ‘Mr. McMahon’ character with my true self, Vince. The title and promos alone make that evident.
“A lot has been misrepresented or left out entirely in an effort to leave viewers intentionally confused. The producers use typical editing tricks with out of context footage and dated soundbites etc. to distort the viewers’ perception and support a deceptive narrative. In an attempt to further their misleading account, the producers use a lawsuit based on an affair I ended as evidence that I am, in fact, ‘Mr. McMahon.’ I hope the viewer will keep an open mind and remember that there are two sides to every story.”
Directed and executive produced by Chris Smith (Tiger King), the six-episode docuseries chronicles the rise and fall of McMahon.
Described as “an unflinching, no-holds-barred look at one of the most enigmatic figures in sports entertainment,” the documentary follows McMahon from his transformation of the WWE from a small, regional business into a global entertainment powerhouse to the explosive sexual misconduct allegations that led to his eventual resignation.
McMahon resigned abruptly from WWE shortly after former WWE staffer Janel Grant filed a detailed and shocking sexual assault lawsuit, on January 25, 2024, against McMahon. “Neither Janel nor her representatives were interviewed for this project,” a spokesperson for Grant said in an earlier statement to Deadline.
Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, released the following statement late Monday in response to McMahon and ahead of the docuseries premiere.
“Vince McMahon physically and emotionally abused, sexually assaulted and human trafficked Janel Grant for more than two years. Calling his horrific and criminal behavior “an affair” is delusional and nothing more than a sad attempt to save his shredded reputation. Although Ms. Grant has not seen the “Mr. McMahon” docuseries, we hope it shines a bright light on his abhorrent and criminal actions by accurately portraying the realities of his abusive and exploitative behavior.
“Ms. Grant will no longer be silenced by McMahon. Her story, though deeply troubling and exceptionally painful, is one that can help other abuse survivors find their voices. We seek to hold McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE accountable and to give Ms. Grant her day in court.”
Bill Simmons and Zara Duffy also serve as executive producers. Mr. McMahon is produced by Library Films in association with Ringer Films.
Mr. McMahon is set to premiere September 25 on Netflix.
