Vince McMahon Criticizes Netflix Docuseries ‘Mr. McMahon’ as ‘Deceptive’

UPDATE with response from Janel Grant: Former WWE boss Vince McMahon not happy with upcoming Netflix documentary series Mr. McMahon.

In a statement posted on X, McMahon admitted that he did not regret participating in the docuseries, but said that “many things were misrepresented or omitted entirely to intentionally confuse viewers.”

Director and executive producer: Chris Smith ((Tiger King)The six-part documentary series chronicles the rise and fall of McMahon.

Here is McMahon’s full statement:

“I have no regrets about being a part of this Netflix documentary. The producers had the opportunity to tell an unbiased story about my life and the incredible business I have built, which was equally full of emotion, drama, fun, and a fair amount of controversy and life lessons. Unfortunately, based on an earlier, partial cut I saw, this documentary falls short of expectations and follows the predictable path of combining the “Mr. McMahon” character with my real self, Vince. The title and the promos confirm that.

“Much has been misrepresented or omitted entirely in an effort to deliberately confuse viewers. The producers use typical editing tricks with out-of-context footage, outdated audio, etc. to distort viewers’ perceptions and support a misleading narrative. In order to further their misleading account, the producers use a lawsuit based on an affair I ended as evidence that I am, in fact, ‘Mr. McMahon.’ I hope viewers will keep an open mind and remember that there are two sides to every story.”

Director and executive producer: Chris Smith ((Tiger King)The six-part documentary series chronicles the rise and fall of McMahon.

Described as “an uncompromising, uncompromising look at one of the most enigmatic figures in sports entertainment,” the documentary follows McMahon from his transformation of WWE from a small, regional enterprise into a global entertainment powerhouse to the eruption of sexual harassment allegations that led to his eventual resignation.

McMahon abruptly resigned from WWE shortly after former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a detailed and shocking sexual assault lawsuit against McMahon on January 25, 2024. “Neither Janel nor her representatives were interviewed as part of this project,” a spokesperson for Grant told Deadline in an earlier statement.

Grant’s attorney, Ann Callis, released the following statement late Monday night in response to McMahon’s comments and ahead of the premiere of the docuseries.

“Vince McMahon physically and mentally abused, sexually harassed, and trafficked Janel Grant for over two years. To call his abhorrent and criminal behavior an ‘affair’ is delusional and nothing more than a sad attempt to salvage his damaged reputation. While Ms. Grant has not seen the documentary series Mr. McMahon, we hope it shines a bright light on his abhorrent and criminal actions, accurately portraying the reality of his abusive and exploitative behavior.

“McMahon will no longer silence Ms. Grant. Her story, while deeply disturbing and extremely painful, can help other victims of abuse find their voices. We intend to hold McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE accountable and give Ms. Grant her day in court.”

Bill Simmons and Zara Duffy also serve as executive producers. Mr. McMahon is produced by Library Films in association with Ringer Films.

Mr. McMahon The film is scheduled to premiere on September 25 on Netflix.