Fans are furious with Nikki and Brie Garcia’s response to their stepdad John Laurinaitis’ alleged involvement in a sexual assault and trafficking lawsuit.
The former head of talent relations for WWE — who has been married to the twins’ mother, Kathy Laurinaitis, since March 2016 — has not yet responded to the allegations.
But the Garcias issued a statement Monday that many felt was too vague.
“We are shocked and disheartened with the recent allegations against members of the WWE,” the retired wrestlers, 40, shared via a joint Instagram post.
“It has been a lot to process since we found out this past week, just as you all did,” they continued. “This is something we don’t stand for or condone from anyone no matter who they are.”
They concluded, “We want all women to feel safe and supported in the workplace and in their everyday lives.”
An onslaught of commenters were quick to condemn Nikki and Brie for not naming the accused — specifically, John.
“This is weird af? Ain’t your step father implicated?? Why comment on this….. and with this hollow response especially considering you’re not even with the company anymore,” one critic remarked. “Unless you have something substantial to say you could’ve kept this b.s statement.”
Someone else added, “This post feels purposely misleading to be honest. To say ‘members of the WWE’ distances yourselves from the fact that one of those ‘members’ is your stepfather. This feels like a ‘cover our asses’ post.”
A third wrote, “Nikki.. Brie… I can’t imagine how you’re feeling but to call them ‘members of the WWE’ like it’s not your literal stepfather… come on…”
However, a few had sympathy for Kathy, 59.
“This is heartbreaking,” one supporter lamented. “To think your mom found a good man and then all this comes out, I would be devastated.”
Despite the backlash, several did defend the Garcias’ decision to omit John’s name from their statement.
“They literally said … ‘this is something we don’t stand for on condone in anyway’ some of yall seemed to miss that part. They don’t gotta say his name,” one comment read. “Thank you both for even acknowledging this. ❤️.”
Another person shared, “Nikki and Brie, I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this difficult time. Unlike many people on here, I will not judge this post. You do not have to name names, and you have every right to feel the way you do in whatever way you feel is best for you to heal.”
Someone else even called the sisters “victims caught in crossfire simply because they are associated with a guy their mom married.”
On Thursday, an ex-employee named Janel Grant sued John and WWE founder Vince McMahon, accusing them of depraved “sexual slavery.”
In her complaint, Grant alleged that McMahon, 78, would have injury-causing sex with her — sometimes with sex toys named after wresting stars — before pimping her out to other company executives, including John, when she worked there.
Grant alleged in her filing that in June 2021, McMahon and John, 61, forced themselves on her and took turns holding her down for each other while sexually assaulting her at WWE offices.
Though McMahon denied the allegations, he still stepped down from his position as head of WWE’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, the following day.
The Laurinaitises did not immediately respond to Pvnew’s requests for comment.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-330-0226.
