A judge has temporarily halted a lawsuit against Linda McMahon, who has been nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Education Department. The lawsuit involves allegations against McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a company she once led, regarding their handling of sex abuse claims from children who worked at wrestling events in the 1980s.
The pause in the case was ordered by Judge James Bredar in Maryland's federal district court. This decision will keep the lawsuit on hold until the Maryland Supreme Court issues a ruling. The lawsuit questions McMahon's knowledge and actions during her time at WWE, where a ringside announcer is accused of preying on underage boys.
The timing of this pause could potentially impact any Senate confirmation process for McMahon, who has denied the allegations against her. The lawsuit was made possible by a recent change in Maryland law that removed the statute of limitations for cases involving sex abuse of minors.
Other organizations have challenged this change in the law, arguing that they should not be held accountable for alleged misconduct that occurred many years ago. The lawsuit specifically accuses McMahon, her husband, WWE, and TKO Group Holdings of allowing an employee to exploit children sexually while working as a ringside announcer.
Legal representatives for the McMahons have refuted the claims made against them, stating that they are untrue. WWE and its parent company have requested a pause in the case for reasons of judicial efficiency and economy. They have also indicated their intention to challenge the Maryland law that enabled the lawsuit if the case proceeds further.
