Janel Grant is set to be honored this September as her legal battle involving Vince McMahon and WWE continues.
Grant, a former WWE employee, was named one of the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence’s 2026 Advocacy in Action Award winners. The organization announced the honor ahead of its Annual Breakfast, which is set for September 11.
The award comes as Grant continues to speak publicly about her experience and advocate for changes around nondisclosure agreements. Grant’s lawsuit against McMahon and WWE includes allegations of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. McMahon has denied the allegations. The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence praised Grant for using her voice to push for NDA reform and survivor protections.
“Congratulations to Janel Grant, one of our 2026 Advocacy in Action Award Winners!”
The organization also described Grant as a survivor of workplace sexual assault and trafficking who was silenced by a nondisclosure agreement she was forced to enter into with a Connecticut corporation.
“Since then, she has been instrumental in advocating for the passage of legislation to limit the use of NDAs when they silence survivors, using advocacy to frame NDA reform as a matter of supporting and protecting human rights.”
The group also called Grant an “incredibly kind, empathetic, and brave woman” while praising her efforts to push for a better framework around power dynamics, coercive control, and mental health.
“Janel is an incredibly kind, empathetic, and brave woman who believes in the power of being the light you want to see and in people showing up for one another.”
Grant responded with her own statement, thanking the organization and making it clear how much their work has meant to her personally. Grant said the group’s services have made a major difference in her life and the lives of other survivors. Grant also said she is looking forward to standing with the organization when she receives the honor in September.
“These are my heroes. Thank you @endsexualviolence_ct. The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence has helped me and countless other survivors.”
“Their services save lives. They saved mine. I’m committed to paying it forward and supporting others like they have supported me.”
“I look forward to standing alongside you in celebration and solidarity in September!”
Grant’s lawsuit was filed in early 2024 and quickly became one of the biggest legal stories WWE has ever faced. McMahon resigned from WWE and TKO after the lawsuit was filed. The case has continued to move through the legal system, with recent developments pointing toward the dispute potentially being handled in private arbitration instead of open court.
This award gives Grant another public platform as her lawsuit continues and as the conversation around NDAs, workplace abuse allegations, and survivor protections remains very much alive.
What do you think about Janel Grant receiving this advocacy award while her lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE continues? Let us know what you think in the comments.
