The controversy that derailed James Ellsworth’s wrestling career nearly seven years ago continues to loom over the former WWE performer, yet the enigmatic wrestler has chosen to confront the narrative head-on. In a recent interview, Ellsworth addressed the 2018 scandal that accused him of sending explicit messages to an underage fan, maintaining his innocence while criticizing how social media and wrestling media outlets rapidly condemned him without allowing facts to emerge.[1]
The 2018 Allegations and Initial Response
In November 2018, allegations surfaced on Twitter when a 16-year-old girl claimed that Ellsworth had sent her inappropriate photos and videos via Snapchat.[2] The accuser, identified as Kenzie, alleged that she had met the wrestler at an independent wrestling event and that Ellsworth was aware of her age before allegedly sending the unsolicited explicit content.[4] The accusation spread rapidly through wrestling social media channels, with wrestling news outlets amplifying the claim within hours.
Ellsworth’s legal team responded swiftly with a statement denying all allegations. Through his attorneys at Bates & Garcia, Attorneys at Law, Ellsworth released a formal statement that read: “My client, James Morris, known publicly and professionally as James Ellsworth has become aware of a number of baseless allegations. Mr. Morris has the utmost respect for women and categorically denies these inflammatory and despicable accusations.”[2][5]
Career Consequences and Professional Fallout
The timing of the allegations proved particularly damaging, as Ellsworth was attempting to rebuild momentum following his initial WWE release in November 2017. Though he had made a surprise return at Money in the Bank in June 2018, his appearances with the company and Impact Wrestling were ultimately overshadowed by the scandal. Wrestling Perspective immediately ceased hosting Ellsworth’s podcast, “DuhCast,” and deleted all archived episodes from their platform.[5]
According to a source close to WWE’s personnel decisions, the organization had no choice but to distance itself from Ellsworth immediately following the allegations. “The optics were impossible to navigate,” the insider explained. “Regardless of what the truth was, WWE couldn’t be associated with someone facing those kinds of accusations. The company’s reputation was paramount.”
Ellsworth’s Defense: No Charges, No Investigation
During his recent interview, Ellsworth emphasized what he views as the most critical element of his defense: the absence of criminal charges or police investigation.[1] He pointed to his clean criminal record as evidence supporting his claims of innocence, arguing that the lack of legal action speaks louder than social media accusations.
“The internet—like I said earlier—they read a headline or something and they just think it’s true, and they don’t let things play out or do actual research on it,” Ellsworth stated during the interview.[1] The wrestler’s frustration with rapid judgment reflects a broader tension between instant social media reactions and due process, a dynamic that has repeatedly played out within professional wrestling’s fanbase.
Ellsworth acknowledged that he is “far from perfect,” but distinguished between personal flaws and the specific accusations leveled against him.[1] He stressed his identity as a family man with no criminal record, positioning these factors as evidence supporting his narrative of innocence.[1]
The Digital Footprint and Conflicting Narratives
The controversy’s digital documentation presents a complex picture. Screenshots did circulate showing messages between Ellsworth and the teenage girl, though their contents remain disputed.[1] The accuser initially shared her allegations publicly but, by 2021, her posts were deleted and her social media account was suspended.[1]
According to a Ringside News update on the situation, evidence was reportedly presented that allegedly demonstrated the accusations were fabricated, though the specific nature of this evidence has never been publicly detailed.[3] The deletion and suspension of the accuser’s account fueled speculation among some wrestling observers that the allegations might have been unfounded, while others maintained that such actions could reflect various personal motivations unrelated to truthfulness.
Seven Years of Lingering Questions
Nearly seven years have passed since the initial allegations emerged, yet the wrestling community remains deeply divided on the matter. Ellsworth has continued to work, primarily on the independent wrestling circuit and through occasional appearances at smaller promotions. In January 2025, he competed in Philadelphia at Harrah’s Casino, facing off against VELLCROW in a main event bout.[3] The wrestler now celebrates his 40th birthday in December and continues to accept wrestling bookings, podcast appearances, and merchandise signings.[3]
The Broader Impact on Wrestling Culture
Ellsworth’s situation underscores the wrestling industry’s complicated relationship with allegations and accountability. The sport’s fanbase operates largely through social media platforms where news spreads instantly, often outpacing verification. Professional wrestling, as an entertainment medium built on storytelling and narrative control, has historically struggled to navigate genuine accusations against performers.
The scandal also highlighted WWE’s rapid response protocols when performers face serious allegations. The company’s immediate distancing from Ellsworth became the template for how the organization would handle similar situations moving forward, establishing a precedent that protecting corporate brand image takes priority over prolonged investigation or nuance.
The Quest for Redemption and Moving Forward
Ellsworth’s recent willingness to address the allegations suggests an attempt at narrative reclamation. Rather than remaining silent, he has chosen to publicly challenge the characterization that defined much of the post-WWE chapter of his career. Whether this approach will reshape public perception remains unclear, particularly given how deeply the allegations have been embedded into wrestling lore.
“People remember the headline, not the resolution,” explained a wrestling journalist with decades of experience covering the industry. “In Ellsworth’s case, there may have been a resolution that never made headlines in the first place. That’s the real tragedy of how social media justice works in wrestling.”
The former WWE performer continues to work independently, available for wrestling bookings, podcast appearances, virtual meet-and-greets, and appearances on Cameo.[3] His marriage in April 2022 marked a personal turning point, with Ellsworth crediting his wife with helping him “become the best version of myself,” as he posted on social media.[3]
Conclusion: The Court of Public Opinion vs. The Court of Law
James Ellsworth’s case represents a cautionary tale about the court of public opinion and how quickly narrative can calcify in the wrestling world. Without criminal charges, investigation, or legal proceedings, Ellsworth insists he has been judged and sentenced by an internet that moved too quickly to verify. Whether the wrestling community will grant him the redemption he seeks remains an open question, but his willingness to confront the allegations head-on suggests he is not content to let this chapter define his legacy without challenge.