John Cena Responds to Backlash Over Supporting Vince McMahon Amidst Legal Troubles

John Cena is standing firm after facing backlash for his recent comments about Vince McMahon.

During a new interview with Us Weekly, the WWE star addressed the criticism he received after declaring he “wholeheartedly” loved McMahon despite the ongoing legal issues against the WWE boss.

“Everybody’s entitled to their opinion. Just like I’m entitled to have an emotional connection to somebody,” Cena said. “I don’t hold anybody or how they feel or what they view as permissible or things that’ll make them angry, happy, excited, sad. That’s their right as a human being. I’m not surprised about any of that.”

Cena’s remarks come after former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a federal lawsuit against McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis in a Connecticut court, accusing them of sexual assault and sex trafficking. The allegations included claims that McMahon used his influence to coerce Grant into sexual encounters and facilitated encounters with other powerful figures.

Speaking to The New York Times before WrestleMania 41, Cena had initially stated that he still “wholeheartedly” loves Vince McMahon despite the allegations, a comment that drew widespread backlash from fans and the wrestling community.

“I don’t care who hears it: I love Vince,” Cena said in the interview. “I’m not downplaying anything that needs to be decided or allegations of any kind, 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.”

The backlash prompted Us Weekly to ask Cena to clarify his stance, leading to his latest comments about the public’s reaction. Cena made it clear that while he understands the anger, he is entitled to his personal feelings toward McMahon regardless of the allegations.

This all comes as WWE continues to face negative press related to the Janel Grant lawsuit, with Roman Reigns previously weighing in during a separate interview. Reigns called the situation “embarrassing” and expressed hope that Grant now feels “safe and protected” after coming forward with her claims.

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