Lee Fitting, the current leader of production for WWE, has parted ways with ESPN due to multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour, according to reports. Fitting left ESPN in 2023 to join WWE, assuming the role previously held by WWE stalwart Kevin Dunn.
According to The New York Times, Fitting’s departure from ESPN followed many complaints regarding his conduct with female colleagues. Allegedly, in a meeting held in 2012, Fitting suggested that a female colleague should “open her throat,” implying a sexually suggestive act.
Two years later, in 2014, Fitting is reported to have told a female co-worker without a seat that “I’ve got a seat for you right here,” while motioning towards his lap. Allegations also involve Fitting asking female employees for their hotel room numbers and consistently boasting about his intimate life with his spouse.
Upon contact by the Times, Fitting refused to acknowledge some allegations and chose not to divulge the reasons behind his exit from ESPN. Fitting’s tenure at ESPN, which lasted for more than 25 years, ended in August 2023; security reportedly escorted him out of the premises.
During 2023, Fitting faced a formal accusation, and after an enquiry into the matter, he was promptly discharged from ESPN. A woman who was involved in the investigation told The New York Times, “It finally caught up to him,” and another one commented, “I can’t believe it took this long.”
Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Fitting’s work at WWE has been commended by those in the industry. However, WWE refrained from commenting on the matter when requested by the Times.