Details have emerged regarding the NCIS investigation into Ashley Massaro’s allegations of sexual assault, shedding light on the complexities of the case.
In a statement made before her tragic passing in 2019, Massaro accused Vince McMahon of predatory behavior towards female talent, claiming she faced repercussions for rejecting his advances. Her lawyers were preparing a sworn affidavit regarding her allegation of rape on a Kuwait military base, purportedly covered up by WWE.
The United States Naval Criminal Service initiated an investigation in June 2019, with inquiries conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFSOI) and NCIS. Despite exhaustive efforts to locate the alleged crime scene and witnesses, the case was closed due to the lack of viable leads, compounded by Massaro’s passing.
NCIS interviewed the physician’s assistant who treated Massaro in 2006, who recounted her demeanor and interactions at the time of treatment. While the assistant noted Massaro’s apparent discomfort and a disturbance during the examination, they did not observe signs of distress indicative of sexual assault.
Notably, the Officer in Charge of the clinic declined to be interviewed without a subpoena, but was not considered a suspect in the investigation.
These revelations have added layers to the ongoing discussion surrounding Massaro’s allegations, prompting further scrutiny into the handling of such cases within the wrestling industry.
In a separate development, former NBA player and actor Rashid Byrd was sentenced to 90 years to life in prison for a series of violent sexual assaults. Byrd’s victims recounted his initial charm swiftly turning into coercion and violence, leading to his conviction for assaults in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties.
Detective Dara Brown, the lead investigator, commended the courage of Byrd’s victims and underscored the importance of their testimonies in bringing him to justice. Efforts continue to identify additional victims and gather information related to Byrd’s crimes.
These cases underscore the ongoing imperative to address sexual assault allegations with sensitivity and thorough investigation, ensuring accountability and support for survivors.
