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Image via: Sports Video Group/ Screen grab WWE has endured several misconduct allegations against several personalities in the company. To add insult to injury, another controversial case of misconduct followed the company after Vince McMahon and Co. In a recent report, it was revealed that Lee Fitting , who joined WWE as a production head, was fired from his previous company, ESPN , over misconduct.
The incident sparked a huge discussion among fans as it came to light. WWE production head Lee Fitting has been surrounded by controversy WWE hired Lee Fitting, a former ESPN executive, earlier this as its Head of Media and Production. It is no secret that behind the popularity and regaining WWE’s glory, Fitting was partly responsible.
However, a new report from The Athletic reveals a troubling past of the executive. ESPN fired Fitting after reports surfaced of inappropriate behavior, including making sexual or degrading jokes and creating a toxic work environment that encouraged similar conduct. Many current and former ESPN employees allege Fitting alienated those who challenged him or his actions.
Fitting who was a senior vice president of production at ESPN was fired after his 25-year-old tenure. According to a report from The Athletic on Wednesday, Fitting was fired following an HR complaint about inappropriate behavior in August 2023. After the complaint was filed, an investigation was conducted, during which ESPN officials interviewed several employees.
Some “prominent female staffers” was present in the meeting. In a memo sent on August 21, 2023, Norby Williamson, another top ESPN executive, announced that Fitting was “no longer with the company” and that ESPN would be “finalizing a new production structure” for the shows he managed, including College GameDay and Monday Night Football. The Athletic interviewed over 20 women, including six who were part of ESPN’s 2023 investigation.
They described a workplace culture under Fitting where offensive and sexual language was common, with lewd jokes often made about women and their appearances. “I can’t believe it took this long,” one woman from the investigation who requested her anonymity due to still working in the company, said of the incident. “It finally caught up to him,” another said.
The report revealed multiple allegations against Fitting and it has sparked a huge controversy as WWE has been dealing with a similar backlash. As of writing the piece WWE’s stance on the matter is unclear. Also Read: Janel Grant’s lawsuit against Vince McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis officially resumes The controversy involving Fitting sparked following allegations against former WWE boss Vince McMahon by Janel Grant who worked in the company previously.
While McMahon is set for trial, the report of Fitting has raised concern for the company. McMahon has left WWE and TKO Holdings following the allegations against his name. WWE has not responded to Fitting’s previous allegations but the decision of the company would be critical as taking another controversial blow would not be very pleasing for the company’s image amid its astonishing rise.
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