WWE And Vince McMahon Are Being Sued Over Racist Scripts

WWE and Vince McMahon are being sued by a former writer, Bloomberg Law reports. The lawsuit was filed by a Black former WWE writer who alleges "racist" script content was specifically created for Black talents like Bianca Belair and Apollo Crews.

Britney Abrahams began writing for WWE in 2020 and complained of racial and gender stereotypes in scripts. One, in particular, included instructing one of the company's biggest stars, Belair, to say "Uh-Uh! Don't make me take off my earrings and beat your ass!" and Crews to speak with a "stereotypical and exaggerated Nigerian accent." Abrahams said her request to make changes was denied.

WWE fans will remember Crews went through a character change where he adopted more of his Nigerian heritage and spoke with that accent. Crews (real name Sesugh Uhaa) is of Nigerian descent, with both parents from the country and himself being a first-generation American.

On another occasion, a writer allegedly proposed that a Muslim wrestler's secret be that he was "behind the 9/11 attacks." On top of the creative decisions she opposed, Abrahams had stated her multiple complaints were ignored, and she was fired for taking home a Wrestlemania folded chair, a common practice among the staff.

Abrahams is seeking reinstatement, damages, declaratory judgment, and an injunction restraining defendants from engaging in such unlawful conduct.

This is just the latest controversy WWE has faced within the year. Last year, McMahon left the WWE board after nearly 40 years in charge as he faced sexual assault and hush money allegations. He eventually came back to the helm in January, when he used his majority voting control over the company to name himself chairman once again. During Wrestlemania weekend this year, it was announced that WWE was sold to Endeavor, the parent company of the UFC.