Representatives for Janel Grant have issued a statement following reporting on Lee Fitting’s dismissal at ESPN over misconduct allegations.
Wednesday’s reporting by Katie Strang and Andrew Marchand at the New York Times’ The Athletic included details of a 2023 investigation by ESPN’s PR department into workplace behavior involving Fitting. The story noted they spoke with over 20 current and former ESPN staff members, who noted that “the workplace culture under Fitting featured boorish behavior and offensive remarks, many of them sexual in nature”.
Fitting was let go by ESPN in August 2023 and hired by WWE five months later as its Head of Media and Production.
Kendra Barkoff-Lamy, spokesperson for Janel Grant, issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the report:
How can WWE claim they are committed to improving the company’s culture, and at the same time, hire a man earlier this year who was accused of sexual misconduct and workplace harassment in his previous role? The allegations against Lee Fitting during his time at ESPN are extremely concerning. Revelations like this are why Janel Grant’s lawyers sent a letter to WWE and Endeavor, urging them to release all current and former employees from their NDAs. The same old boys club who enabled Janel Grant’s abuse are continuing to put alleged predators in leadership roles, and this pattern must change once and for all.
Grant’s civil suit filed against Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE was placed on a six-month stay to allow for a federal investigation into Vince McMahon. The stay expired last week with the case resuming, although the investigation into McMahon continues.
WWE has not commented on the story and declined to comment when contacted by The Athletic.
