Independent wrestler Candy Cartwright has taken legal action against Matt Riddle, Gabe Sapolsky, Evolve and WWE.
Cartwright, real name Samantha Tavel has filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County Illinois. The suit names Matt Riddle, World Wrestling Entertainment, Gabe Sapolsky and Evolve Wrestling as the defendants.
According to Fightful.com Tavel is seeking $10 million per defendant.
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.”
Gabe Sapolsky was also seemingly unaware of the lawsuit saying it is “news to me.”
In the lawsuit, Tavel alleges that Riddle sexually assaulted her multiple times between 2017-2020, whilst they were having an affair. Specifically, an incident around May 19, 2018, where Riddle forced Tavel to perform oral sex on him by choking her.
Tavel also claims Riddle was instrumental in several of her bookings with Evolve and WWE getting cancelled.
Tavel accused Riddle of sexual assault in June as part of the Speaking Out movement, which saw dozens of wrestlers implicated. Riddle denied the allegations of sexual assault but would later admit to having a relationship/affair with Tavel.
Tavel and her attorney held a press conference on October, 8 to announce the civil lawsuit.
Tavel stated that speaking out about the alleged assaults “has, essentially, ended my career,” but added that “some things are more important than a career.”
We will keep you updated with further updates on the case as and when they come in.
