WWE Twitter rips into Brad Shepard for revealing alleged Vince McMahon victim
After committing one of journalism’s greatest sins, most of the wrestling Twitter community took Brad Shepard to the proverbial woodshed
One of the Society of Professional Journalists’ (SPJ) Code of Ethics principles is to minimize harm. This means to “show compassion for those who may be affected by news coverage. Use heightened sensitivity when dealing with…victims of sex crimes…,” “avoid pandering to lurid curiosity…” and “consider the long-term implications of publication…”
But it’s pretty clear Brad Shepard doesn’t follow the rules of professional journalism, even if he considers himself one.
The news of the wrestling world this week (which is pretty clear unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock) is that — per the Wall Street Journal — Vince McMahon is being investigated by WWE‘s own Board of Directors for an alleged $3 million hush-money settlement given to a former employee who he allegedly had an affair with.
The WWE Board of Directors had launched this investigation in April after being tipped by an anonymous e-mailer claiming to be a friend of the alleged victim. The friend claimed the victim had been given a $100,000 salary, which was increased to $200,000 upon the affair’s start.
Wrestling “insider” Brad Shepard reveals name of alleged Vince McMahon victim, gets eaten alive by wrestling Twitter
On June 17, Shepard tweeted out the name of the alleged victim, citing a nameless source supposedly from within WWE.
Please note that the tweet has been reported by several Twitter users. We here at FanSided will be using a tweet with Shepard’s tweet screenshotted and the victim’s name blurred out of respect for the alleged victim and the investigation process.
Shepard, who is no stranger to controversy in wrestling media, was ripped for his attempt at “breaking news.”
FUN FACT: Brad Shepard pays someone within WWE offices a hefty amount of cash for his “scoops”
— THE™ Jessi Davin (@jessithebuckeye) June 17, 2022
People out there who know who it is.
Whoever released the name of the VICTIM to Brad needs to be held accountable and terminated.
How dare you violate someone’s privacy like that? pic.twitter.com/1mpUNSCiEG
https://twitter.com/RealJackCassidy/status/1537836795718770688
https://twitter.com/WWEREALONE/status/1537852127648825344
I was pretty sure we’d never know the name of the woman in question but of course Brad Shepard, renowned self-starter and solo finisher, would be the one exposing her to harassment.
— Northwest Cee (@CeeHawk) June 17, 2022
As we always say, and this makes it more evident, Brad Shepard hates women. https://t.co/liGr61QZVj
— Just a Guy (@IanM_23) June 17, 2022
Like I always say, you can always tell when somebody has never been hit in the fucking mouth before. Brad Shepard is one of those people.
— . (@YeahEJH1) June 17, 2022
holy fuck brad shepard is one hell of a twat. from the bottom of my heart, fuck him
— charlie | WP (@chx_rliex) June 17, 2022
https://twitter.com/ATRIBECALLWEST/status/1537837381973327872
Brad Shepard is scum. Releasing the name of the woman just for clicks when it exposes her to harassment and who knows what else.
— A Kenny For Your Thoughts (@_kennythoughts) June 17, 2022
He is what’s wrong with the wrestling community. It’s about time we get rid of him. pic.twitter.com/nytWvnNqYj
bro, I am frustrated rn.
— NHATional Scissoring Day ✂️ (@nhathaniel_h) June 17, 2022
I don’t normally swear much on this app, but:
FUCK. YOU. BRAD. SHEPARD. pic.twitter.com/QEwBBSyiwh
Also on June 17, a press release from WWE announced that Vince McMahon would be stepping aside from his role as Chairman & CEO of WWE, with his daughter, Stephanie McMahon, taking over in the interim.
Vince McMahon will, however, remain on the creative side of WWE programming.
Stephanie McMahon had been the Chief Brand Officer of WWE until last month, when she announced an indefinite leave of absence to “spend more time with her family.” The timing of that news and this announcement of her interim chairwoman & CEO role has raised eyebrows around the wrestling world.
Vince McMahon will reportedly be making an appearance on tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown on FOX, in character, to address the situation and his leave.
It is a tumultuous week in the WWE right now, as there are also been rumors of a possible Sasha Banks release following her and Naomi’s walkout last month, as well as reports that Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton seem to be out of action for the rest of the year with injuries.
Next. AEW star, WWE legend Jeff Hardy arrested on felony DUI charges. dark