John Cena Doubles Down On Controversial Vince McMahon Comments
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena has addressed the significant fan criticism he has faced for his public expressions of continued love and support for former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. This comes in light of serious allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking leveled against McMahon.
Cena's latest remarks on the matter were made during an interview with US Weekly at the recent Amazon upfront presentations. He was asked if he was surprised by the negative online reaction to his previous statements about his former boss.
"No, because everyone's entitled to their opinion," Cena responded directly. "Just like I am entitled to have an emotional connection to somebody."
He further elaborated on his acceptance of differing viewpoints. "I don't hold anybody to how they feel or what they view as permissible or things that make them happy, angry, excited, sad. That's their right as a human being, I'm not surprised by any of that."
The controversy stems from the serious allegations detailed in a lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant in January 2024. The lawsuit accuses McMahon of severe misconduct, including sexual assault and sex trafficking.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: The Rock, Vince McMahon, and John Cena attend the WrestleMania 29 Press Conference at Radio City Music Hall on April 4, 2013 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 04: The Rock, Vince McMahon, and John Cena attend the WrestleMania 29 Press Conference at Radio City Music Hall on April 4, 2013 in New York City.
These allegations led to Vince McMahon's resignation from his executive positions at WWE and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, earlier this year. They have cast a profound shadow over his long and influential career in professional wrestling.
Cena first publicly addressed his stance on the Howard Stern Show in February 2024, shortly after the lawsuit was filed. While acknowledging the seriousness and describing the allegations as a "hill [McMahon] has to climb," Cena maintained he would still "love the person I love" and consider McMahon a friend.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
He reiterated and amplified this position in a widely discussed April 2025 interview with the New York Times, ahead of WrestleMania 41. It was here he made his most direct statement regarding his feelings.
"I don't care who hears it: I love Vince," Cena told the New York Times. "I'm not downplaying anything that needs to be decided or allegations of any kind..."
Cena explained his perspective on loyalty in that same interview. "...but when I love somebody, I love them wholeheartedly. I know people are going to be angry about that, but they can't put their value on my relationship with somebody I love."
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