Dave Meltzer Breaks Down A New WWE Lawsuit & History Of The Ring Boy Scandal

Yesterday afternoon, the law firm of DiCello Levitt and Murphy, Falcon & Murphy announced the filing of a civil suit against Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon, WWE and TKO on behalf of five anonymous clients regarding allegations of sexual abuse of minors. The allegations date back to the 1980s and 1990s, when WWE used underage “ring boys” to help set up equipment before shows. Former employees Mel Phillips, Terry Garvin and Pat Patterson were all released when the allegations were made public, although Patterson was eventually brought back to WWE.

Writing in today’s Wrestling Observer NewsletterDave Meltzer delved into the history of the ring boy scandal, as well as reporting on yesterday’s trial. In total, the plaintiffs are seeking more than $30 million in damages. Although their identities are not revealed, it is said that all five men were underage boys who were brought in by Phillips to help put together the ring and were eventually sexually assaulted of the man. Both Vince and Linda McMahon were allegedly aware of what was happening but did nothing to prevent Phillips’ actions.

The case, filed in Baltimore, Maryland, was allowed to proceed because of the state’s Child Victims Act, which removed the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits. In more than 80 pages, the lawsuit lays out chilling allegations about Phillips, as well as what WWE officials may have known about what took place.

FBI investigation of WWE produced evidence but not enough to prosecute

Vince McMahon stands in front of microphones

Rob Loud/Getty Images

Meltzer’s report details how the scandal first broke into public conversation, with former ring boy Tom Cole stepping forward with allegations about Garvin. McMahon even appeared on a talk show to address the claims in 1992and the story soon caught the attention of the FBI and opened an investigation. A videotape, recorded by another WWE employee in a public setting, was discovered as part of that investigation. However, the interaction between Phillips and the minors was not overtly sexual, so the evidence was not conclusive enough to prosecute.

In a report based on the videotape, the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit stated, “Although his activity with boys’ feet is likely sexual behavior, the material provided does not provide conclusive evidence of that fact.” Additionally, the report concludes that there were likely at least 10 victims of sexual assault, and there may be many more than that.

Elsewhere in the lawsuit, it is alleged that the McMahons paid Phillips $300,000 upon his departure. It is also alleged that Linda McMahon in an interview referred to Phillips having a fascination with feet, and that it had become a “running joke” in the company. The suit indicates that many wrestlers were aware of what was happening, and some have seen Phillips abuse the children first hand. However, nothing was reported to the authorities at the time.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse, help is available. Visit Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s national helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).