Vince McMahon, the former chairman of WWE, has criticized the upcoming Netflix docuseries "Mr. McMahon" for allegedly misrepresenting his character and conflating his on-screen persona with his real self.
Vince McMahon, the former chairman of WWE and TKO Group Holdings, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the upcoming Netflix docuseries "Mr. McMahon," which explores his rise in the pro wrestling industry and the controversies that have surrounded him for decades.
The six-part mini-series, set to premiere on Wednesday, has been helmed by director Chris Smith, with Bill Simmons and Zara Duffy serving as executive producers. McMahon has taken issue with the show's editing and its alleged portrayal of him as his real-life TV character, "Mr. McMahon."
Vince McMahon Lashes Out at Netflix Docuseries Portraying Him as "Mr. McMahon
"I don’t regret participating in this Netflix documentary," McMahon said in a statement. "The producers had an opportunity to tell an objective story about my life and the incredible business I built, which were equally filled with excitement, drama, fun and a fair amount of controversy and life lessons."
However, McMahon expressed his disappointment with the partial cut he had seen, claiming that it "falls short" and "takes the predictable path of conflating the ‘Mr. McMahon’ character with my true self, Vince."
Vince McMahon Lashes Out at Netflix Docuseries Portraying Him as "Mr. McMahon
"The title and promos alone make that evident," he continued. "A lot has been misrepresented or left out entirely in an effort to leave viewers intentionally confused."
McMahon further accused the producers of using "typical editing tricks with out of context footage and dated soundbites" to distort the viewers' perception and support a "deceptive narrative."
Vince McMahon Lashes Out at Netflix Docuseries Portraying Him as "Mr. McMahon
"In an attempt to further their misleading account, the producers use a lawsuit based on an affair I ended that I am, in fact ‘Mr. McMahon.’ "I hope the viewer will keep an open mind and remember that there are two sides to every story."
The series also addresses allegations of sexual misconduct and sex trafficking made by former WWE employee Janel Grant, who is currently suing McMahon. Ann Callis, Grant's attorney, has criticized the docuseries for its portrayal of her client.
Vince McMahon Lashes Out at Netflix Docuseries Portraying Him as "Mr. McMahon
"Janel Grant is a survivor of incomprehensible abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking at the hands of Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, and WWE," Callis said. "It takes immense strength to speak out against Goliaths, and she has courageously come forward not just to address her own suffering, but also to act for those who are afraid to speak out."
Callis emphasized that Grant, who did not participate in the docuseries due to her ongoing lawsuit, hopes it will shed light on McMahon's alleged abusive and exploitative behavior.
"Many of the stories in the last few months have not portrayed her in the way she deserves to be portrayed as a survivor of human trafficking and sexual abuse," Callis added.
McMahon has denied the allegations made by Grant, who is seeking damages in her lawsuit.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Netflix and The Ringer, which is owned by Bill Simmons, for comment.
