Vince McMahon slams upcoming Netflix docuseries ahead of release, claims ‘editing tricks’ distort story

Former WWE and TKO Group Holdings chairman Vince McMahon has slammed the upcoming Netflix docuseries that will explore the rise of the professional wrestling mogul and the controversies that surrounded him for decades.

“Mr. McMahon” is a six-part miniseries airing Wednesday on Netflix. The series was directed by Chris Smith, while Bill Simmons and Zara Duffy served as executive producers on the show.

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Vince McMahon attends an XFL game at Giants Stadium. (Andrew Savulich/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

McMahon criticized the way the series was edited and the way he was reportedly cast as his real-life TV character.

“I have no regrets about participating in this Netflix documentary. The producers were given the opportunity to tell an objective story about my life and the incredible business I have built, which was filled with excitement, drama, fun and its fair share of controversy and life lessons in equal measure,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, this documentary falls short, based on a previous cut I saw, and takes the predictable path of conflating the character of ‘Mr. McMahon’ with my true self, Vince. The title and promos alone make that clear.

“Much has been misrepresented or omitted altogether in an attempt to deliberately confuse viewers. The producers use typical editing tricks with out of context footage and dated sound bites etc. to distort the viewers’ perception and support a misleading narrative.

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Then-WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon speaks during a press conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

“In an attempt to bolster their misleading narrative, the producers are using a lawsuit based on an affair I ended that states I am in fact ‘Mr. McMahon.’

“I hope the viewer remains open-minded and realizes that there are two sides to every story.”

McMahon is also being sued by former employee Janel Grant over allegations of sexual misconduct and sex trafficking.

Ann Callis, Grant’s attorney, read a statement about the Netflix series last week.

“Janel Grant is a survivor of unfathomable abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking at the hands of Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE,” Callis said, via Cageside Seats. “It takes immense strength to speak out against Goliaths, and she has courageously come forward to not only address her own suffering, but to stand up for those who are afraid to speak out.

“She is also human. She is smart, kind and compassionate. But because of the extreme cruelty, humiliation, exploitation and violence she was subjected to almost daily for over two years, she now suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts and the inability to leave her home for weeks at a time.

“Janel’s story is an important one, and we hope the Netflix docuseries does it justice. Her experience is essential to an accurate and complete retelling of the WWE and Mr. McMahon’s story. While Janel was not a participant in the Netflix docuseries, we hope it sheds light on McMahon’s horrific actions, often on WWE property, and exposes the reality of his abusive and exploitative behavior. Much of the storytelling in recent months has not portrayed her in the light she deserves as a survivor of human trafficking and sexual abuse.”

Then-WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon attends a press conference to announce a major international event, Wrestle Mania XXIX, at MetLife Stadium on February 16, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (John W. Ferguson/WireImage)

Grant did not participate in the docuseries during her lawsuit against McMahon, John Laurinaitis and WWE.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Netflix and The Ringer, which Simmons owns, for comment.

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