WWE responds to sexual misconduct allegations as Matt Riddle denies claims
WWE has responded to sexual misconduct allegations made against a number of its performers.
The allegations come amid the #SpeakingOut movement which has seen people sharing their own harrowing claims on social media regarding abuse and harassment in the wrestling industry.
In a statement to Metro.co.uk, WWE said: ‘Individuals are responsible for their own personal actions.
‘WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault.
‘Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated.
‘WWE’s ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE.’
A number of WWE and NXT UK superstars have responded to specific allegations made against them, including Matt Riddle, who debuted on SmackDown on Friday hours after responding to the claims of sexual assault.
In a statement, the wrestler’s attorney commented: ‘The allegations by this independent female performer are completely false and another attempt to harass and humiliate Mr. and Mrs. Riddle and to try and tarnish their reputation in the community.
‘We have been aware for the last two years of this performer stalking the Riddle family.
‘In 2019, our firm had drafted a pleading against this performer to seek an injunction for cyberstalking in the Circuit Court for Orange County, Florida.’
Jordan Devlin responded to an allegation of physical violence, and denied the claims.
He tweeted: ‘I didn’t even want to address the hurtful allegation made against me, but for the sake of my followers and friends on this platform that may for whatever reason be unsure, I’m going to address this once.
‘The recent allegation made against me is completely and utterly false and I deny it entirely.
‘This is a case of a malicious personal agenda being executed against me on the back of a very brave telling of true experiences by other women. I completely denounce it.
‘This is all I will say on the matter, and I am now working with a legal team to decide how to proceed from here.’
His fellow NXT UK superstar Ligero also responded to separate allegations.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘The current story that has been released… is neither accurate nor true.
‘This is a completely false allegation and whilst I’ve done other things in my life that I deeply regret, this isn’t an accurate or truthful portrayal of events.
‘This is something I strongly deny and is something I’ve been in the process of speaking to a legal team about.’
Meanwhile, WWE has released Gentleman Jack Gallagher from the company, following an allegation from a woman who alleges that on New Year’s Eve 2014, Gallagher grabbed her allegedly tore her skirt when she wouldn’t sit on his lap.
Gallagher has yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
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