Earlier today during the Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting, an anonymous WWE employee named “John” issued a public statement.
“My employer World Wrestling Entertainment aka WWE is forcing me to work the TV tapings for its weekly shows despite stay at home orders for coronavirus. I am unable to speak out as I need this job and I know I will be fired if I approach my higher-ups. Despite sanitary precautions, we cannot maintain social distancing and have to touch other people. I request the government to shut down these tapings and enforce the stay at home order so my colleagues and I may follow social distancing rules without fear or repercussion of losing our jobs.”
On April 9, WWE was named an essential service by the state of Florida, which allows them to continue taping TV shows at the WWE Performance Center despite a statewide stay at home order. Prior to that, WWE was running shows and defying the order.
WWE would respond later in the day, denying the allegations to PWInsider.
“These accusations aren’t true. Employees know they can confidentially go to Human Resources, not the public. Notwithstanding the appropriate protocol, no one would be fired if they were uncomfortable with their surroundings. We’ve made accommodations for individuals upon request.”
At Tuesday’s Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting, a #WWE employee named “John” submitted public comment they’re being “forced to work” TV tapings despite stay at home orders. Says he’s unable to speak out and feels he will be fired if he approaches his higher-ups. pic.twitter.com/UJTvX1RGc7
— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) April 21, 2020