WWE producer Lee Fitting reportedly dismissed from ESPN due to misconduct allegations

As a seasoned gamer with a knack for keeping my finger on the pulse of the entertainment industry, I can’t help but feel disheartened and disappointed by the latest revelations about Lee Fitting. The allegations against him, if true, paint a picture of a man who abused his position of power to belittle and harass women.

On a Wednesday, an incisive report about WWE producer Lee Fitting, previously terminated from ESPN due to allegations of misconduct with female colleagues, surfaced in The Athletic by authors Katie Strang and Andrew Marchand.

Back in my days, I was the big boss overseeing ESPN’s hit show, “College GameDay,” along with all their NFL and college properties. That put me in a powerful position, capable of shaping careers like nobody else. However, in July 2023, a complaint against me sparked ESPN’s HR to delve deep into the issue. As reported by The Athletic, this investigation involved some high-profile female staff members as well.

Through a representative, Fitting has contested certain accusations and opted not to respond to others. The Athletic additionally reports that he chose not to comment on being characterized as someone who mistreated women while working at ESPN, nor did he explain why he was terminated by the network.

ESPN chose not to comment on the reasons behind his termination when approached by a media outlet. The Athletic interviewed over 20 employees, among whom were six individuals involved in ESPN’s investigation. These employees shared that the work environment under Fitting was characterized by inappropriate behavior and offensive comments, with many instances being of a sexual nature.

Allegations against Fitting by ESPN employees

The Sports publication, The Athletic, highlights various occurrences involving Fitting. One individual shared that he would advise her on hairstyles, specifically favoring her hair pulled back in a ponytail. In response to his text, she mentioned that she had already visited the hair and makeup area. He responded by suggesting she tie her hair up in a ponytail before he did it for her. However, Fitting denied that he intended to do it himself.

A different woman claimed that Fitting advised her not to chuckle during broadcasts, as he found her laughter disruptive. However, through his representative, Fitting stated that it was part of his duty to offer feedback to both male and female on-air personalities concerning their performance and appearance on the air. The article also mentions other accusations suggesting a pattern of conduct preceding the investigation.

2023 saw ESPN discovering that “College GameDay” had been part of a deceitful strategy, where false entries were submitted to The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – the organization behind the Emmys. This tactic resulted in them being granted over 30 awards they didn’t genuinely deserve. Consequently, “College GameDay” was barred from any future Emmy considerations.

WWE hires Fitting

As a dedicated WWE fan, I’m excited to share that they brought on Fitting as the producer for both “RAW” and “SmackDown” back in January this year. Regarding the accusations against Fitting, WWE has remained silent. Notably, it’s worth mentioning that WWE president Nick Khan was once a talent agent, and some of his past clients were ESPN personalities, as reported by The Athletic.

As a dedicated fan, I couldn’t help but feel exhilarated when I learned about the arrival of Lee at WWE. Khan shared with Variety that “Lee is an exceptional leader and executive, renowned for work that earns both critical acclaim and wide audience appeal.” He further added that Lee would be a significant boost to our already impressive media and production team, playing a crucial role in driving WWE’s growth forward.

At present, the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is involved in two ongoing lawsuits. Back in January, a former WWE employee named Janel Grant took legal action against the WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis, alleging sexual abuse and trafficking. Last week, the six-month hold on Grant’s lawsuit ended, allowing her to proceed with the case.

In October, five ex-“Ring Boys” initiated a legal action against WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), its holding company TKO Holdings, and the McMahons (Vince and Linda). They claim that it was understood that they were victims of sexual abuse by a former ring announcer, Mel Phillips. This lawsuit is on hold until a decision is made regarding the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023. A verdict on this act is expected by August 31, 2025.

2024-12-18 21:15