Nikki and Brie Garcia, former WWE wrestlers, are facing criticism for their response to allegations of sexual assault involving their stepfather, John Laurinaitis. The controversy erupted after Laurinaitis, a former head of talent relations for WWE, was accused of involvement in a sexual assault and trafficking lawsuit.
In a joint statement posted on Instagram, the Garcia twins expressed shock and disheartenment at the recent allegations against “members of the WWE.” While condemning the behavior described in the lawsuit, their statement was deemed vague and insufficient by many critics. The twins refrained from explicitly naming John Laurinaitis, their stepfather, which led to accusations of evasiveness and failing to address the seriousness of the situation.
Commenters on social media slammed Nikki and Brie for what they perceived as a “hollow” response, urging them to acknowledge John’s alleged involvement directly. Some criticized the twins for distancing themselves from the issue by referring to “members of the WWE” instead of acknowledging the familial connection to the accused.
Despite the backlash, some defended Nikki and Brie’s decision, highlighting the complexities of the situation and expressing sympathy for their mother, Kathy Laurinaitis, who is caught in the middle of the controversy.
The allegations against John Laurinaitis stem from a lawsuit filed by a former WWE employee, Janel Grant, who accused him and WWE founder Vince McMahon of engaging in “sexual slavery.” Grant alleges that Laurinaitis and McMahon forced her into sexual acts and assaulted her at WWE offices.
While McMahon denied the allegations and stepped down from his position, the lawsuit has sparked widespread scrutiny and raised questions about accountability within the organization.
As the controversy unfolds, Nikki and Brie Garcia find themselves at the center of a heated debate over their response to the allegations against their stepfather, highlighting the complexities of addressing such sensitive issues within a family context.
