WWE Faces Criticism for Hiring Former ESPN Executive After Misconduct Allegations

WWE is under fire for hiring former ESPN executive Lee Fitting, despite serious misconduct accusations, raising concerns about workplace culture.

Lee Fitting’s Controversial Hiring by WWE

On December 18, 2024, WWE faced backlash for their decision to hire Lee Fitting as Head of Media and Production. Fitting, a former Senior Vice President of Production at ESPN, was let go in August 2023 following allegations of sexual misconduct and fostering a toxic work environment. The allegations included claims that Fitting objectified women and made inappropriate, sexually charged comments.

Despite these accusations, WWE brought Fitting on board in January 2024, sparking intense criticism from both fans and industry insiders.

Janel Grant’s Legal Team Responds

The controversy surrounding Fitting’s hiring has added fuel to WWE’s ongoing legal troubles. Janel Grant, a former WWE employee who accused Vince McMahon of sexual assault and harassment, spoke out through her spokesperson, Kendra Barkoff-Lamy. Barkoff-Lamy stated:

“How can WWE claim they are committed to improving the company’s culture and at the same time hire a man accused of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment?”

Grant’s legal team also urged WWE and its parent company, Endeavor, to release employees from non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that may shield misconduct. This call for transparency highlights ongoing concerns about WWE’s workplace environment.

WWE’s Lack of Comment and Growing Scrutiny

WWE has not yet publicly addressed the allegations against Fitting or the criticism surrounding his hiring. When contacted by The Athletic, WWE declined to comment, further intensifying public scrutiny.

This silence comes at a time when WWE is already facing a civil lawsuit from Janel Grant. With the legal proceedings resuming on December 11, 2024, the timing of these revelations has put WWE’s commitment to workplace safety and culture improvement in question.

Fan and Industry Reaction

The wrestling community has expressed mixed reactions, with many questioning WWE’s vetting process for leadership roles. This controversy has sparked broader discussions about accountability and the measures companies should take to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.

As the story unfolds, fans and industry insiders are watching closely to see how WWE addresses these concerns and whether they take steps to rectify the situation.