Delayed Lawsuit Spotlights Trump's Pick for Education Secretary

A lawsuit against Linda McMahon, President Trump's choice for the Education Department, has been put on hold. The lawsuit, filed by former child wrestling event helpers, claims that McMahon and her company, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), ignored allegations of sexual abuse decades ago. Maryland's federal court paused the case until the state Supreme Court rules on a related challenge. This delay could affect McMahon's confirmation if it drags on.

The case revolves around accusations that a ringside announcer, Melvin Phillips Jr. , exploited his position to abuse underage boys. The plaintiffs argue McMahon and her husband, Vince, were negligent in not protecting the children. The McMahons deny these claims. The lawsuit emerged after Maryland altered its statute of limitations law for sex abuse cases. Defendants, including WWE and its parent company, want a break in the case for "judicial efficiency. " WWE's request to pause the case comes amid plans to contest the Maryland law if the lawsuit proceeds. The case, filed in October last year, involves five individuals who say they suffered due to Phillips' actions. Phillips worked for WWE from the 1970s to the '90s but passed away in 2012. The lawsuit claims the McMahons knew about Phillips' interest in young boys and fired, then later rehired, him.

Actions