WWE under fire for hiring former ESPN executive Lee Fitting who was fired for ¡®years of misconduct¡¯
WWE, which has had its fair share of misconduct and abuse allegations throughout its past, has once again come under the scanner for hiring a production executive who faced similar allegations when he was employed by ESPN. Lee Fitting, a 25-year ESPN veteran, was hired by WWE as its head of production in January 2024, following the exit of Kevin Dunn, who was the Executive Producer & Chief, Global Television Distribution.
Lee Fitting's sudden departure from ESPN
Fitting had left ESPN in August 2023, and his departure was described as a ¡°sudden¡± one that ¡°shocked staffers and media alike¡±. However, a New York Times report has now claimed that Fitting was forced to leave his previous job after an internal investigation found that he was involved in 'years of misconduct'.
Allegations against Lee Fitting
According to the report, Fitting was accused of several instances of both sexually suggestive and objectifying comments toward women.
Lee Fitting denies some allegations?
Fitting was investigated after a 2023 HR complaint, and it was found that the allegations of past misconduct with female employees were true.?
According to the report, a spokesperson for Fitting denied some of the allegations while choosing not to address others.
The allegation comes at a time when WWE itself is dealing with sexual abuse allegations. Former Chairman of WWE, Vince McMahon, and senior executive John Laurinaitis were accused of sexual abuse, trafficking, and other offences, leading to their departure.
Janel Grant responds to allegations against Lee??
Kendra Barkoff-Lamy, the spokesperson for the complainant Janel Grant, said: "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."
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