Unclear If TKO Can Force Vince McMahon Out Of The Company

Vince McMahon's future at TKO Group Holdings is currently uncertain following the latest lawsuit filed against the Executive Chairman of TKO.

Former employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE within which McMahon has been accused of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and physical and emotional abuse. WWE have also been accused of looking to sweep the allegations against McMahon "under the rug."

TKO issued the following statement on Thursday night: "Mr. McMahon does not control TKO nor does he oversee the day-to-day operations of WWE. While this matter predates our TKO executive team's tenure at the company, we take Ms. Grant's horrific allegations very seriously and are addressing this matter internally."

McMahon's future with TKO is unclear and it is unknown if the organisation can remove McMahon from his position as Executive Chairman. The company may need to convince him to resign, according to Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics, who pointed out that TKO's Certificate of Incorporation states McMahon shall serve as Executive Chairman of the Board "until the earliest of his death, resignation or Incapacitation."

The Certificate of Incorporation reads: "7.2 Executive Chair. Notwithstanding Section 7.1(b), Vincent K. McMahon shall serve as the Executive Chair of the Board (the 'Executive Chair') until the earliest of his death, resignation or Incapacitation. Any vacancy of the Executive Chair (which, if Mr. McMahon is the initial Executive Chair, shall initially only occur upon the death, resignation or Incapacity of Mr. McMahon) shall be filled by the Board by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors."

In response to the lawsuit, McMahon's spokesperson has issued the following statement: "This lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and a vindictive distortion of the truth. He will vigorously defend himself."