Rita Chatterton’s Shocking Settlement Revealed: Where is She Now?

In 1992, Rita Chatterton courageously appeared on The Geraldo Rivera Show, where she shared heart-wrenching allegations against WWE owner Vince McMahon, claiming she had been raped. Rivera introduced her as the first female referee in the WWF, delivering a moment that was intended to be empowering.

However, as Chatterton recounted her traumatic experience, the pride on her face faded into sorrow. It’s gut-wrenching to witness someone who broke the glass ceiling in wrestling also endure such suffering and isolation.

Knowing that McMahon has potentially silenced multiple women with hefty payouts only adds to the anger. Yet, Chatterton eventually found her voice again. So, where is she now? Let’s dive into her journey of survival and empowerment.

Fast forward to August 2021, a major milestone for Chatterton came when she was honored with a “Trailblazer Award” from the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. This recognition was initiated by Hall of Fame founder Seth Turner, who wanted to celebrate her groundbreaking contributions.

Initially hesitant, Chatterton reflected on the importance of visibility for herself and other women in wrestling. “I always said I don’t want to live and die and be forgotten,” she told Turner. Ultimately, she accepted the award, relishing the acknowledgment of her hard-earned legacy.

This honor was particularly meaningful since watching wrestling was a treasured family tradition for Chatterton. Every Sunday felt like church, filled with shared moments of joy and excitement surrounding matches likely produced by McMahon’s father. Tragically, her brother, who aspired to be a wrestler, lost his life in a car accident in 1979, leading Rita to pursue his dream.

When personal health issues derailed her dreams, Rita boldly decided that becoming a referee would still honor her brother’s legacy while sparing her from the physical toll of wrestling. “I’d still be honoring my brother, but wouldn’t get beat up the way the wrestlers do,” she recalled. Completing her training in 1984, Chatterton soon made her debut on live television at Madison Square Garden in 1985.

McMahon offered her a lucrative deal to join the WWF, with promises of fame and a six-figure salary. However, as she inquired about her contract, the negotiations grew increasingly tense. A scheduled meeting turned into a horrifying encounter, where she alleges he raped her, coercing her under the guise of advancing her career.

In a turn of events that marked a significant chapter in her story, McMahon reached a multi-million dollar settlement with Chatterton in December 2022, merely six months after she publicly shared her experiences. Chatterton’s legal team had previously demanded $11.75 million, with the settlement symbolizing not just financial compensation, but a long-awaited acknowledgment of her pain.

In her conversation with the Intelligencer, Chatterton expressed skepticism about McMahon facing accountability for his actions, yet fate proved her wrong. The settlement represents hope, resilience, and the ongoing struggle against the systemic issues within wrestling and broader society.