Samantha Tavel has filed a lawsuit over her sexual assault allegations against WWE superstar Matt Riddle.
The female wrestler – known professionally as Candy Cartwright – is said to be seeking damages from WWE, a co-founder of Evolve Wrestling and Matt Riddle over the alleged incident following a wrestling event in 2018.
As reported by the Chicago Sun Times, Tavel has accused Riddle – who was having an affair with her at the time – of forcing her to perform a sex act while on a bus leaving the event on May 19 that year.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Tavel claimed: ‘I never thought he would do anything to hurt me and, in that moment, I was terrified.’
Her attorney John Chwarzynski claims the May 2018 incident was one in a ‘multitude of sexual assaults committed by Matt Riddle against my client, Candi Cartwright’.
He added: ‘The WWE has painted a picture over the course of the years that female performers are to comply with certain rules.
‘The WWE, since its inception, has hyper-sexualized female performers and they’ve profited from male aggression against these female performers.’
The lawsuit – which was filed in Cook County Circuit Court – claims Riddle committed a series of assaults against Tavel between 2017 and January 2020.
In a statement, WWE said: ‘WWE has not been served with a lawsuit by Ms. Tavel. However, if served, we will vigorously defend ourselves and contest it.’
In July, after Tavel first opened up about the alleged assaults, Riddle, 34, issued a blanket denial.
He previously said: ‘I never sexually abused anybody. I never sexually assaulted anybody.’
The allegations against Riddle were made public as part of the Speaking Out movement on social media, which has exposed alleged sexual misconduct in the wrestling industry.
In a statement made earlier this year, WWE said: ‘Individuals are responsible for their own personal actions. WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault.
‘Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated.
‘WWE’s ability to fine, suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence of such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE.’
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