Nikki and Brie Bella are "shocked and disheartened" by the allegations against Vince McMahon and "members of the WWE"

They said in a joint statement: "We are shocked and disheartened with the recent allegations against members of the WWE.

"It has been a lot to process since we found out this past week just as you all did.

"This is something we don't stand for or condone from anyone no matter who they are. We want all women to feel safe and supported in the workplace and in their everyday lives."

The 40-year-old stars' stepfather John Laurinaitis - who is married to their mother Kathy Colace Laurinaitis - was also named in the lawsuit.

Ex-WWE employee Janel Grant has sued McMahon, the WWE, and former senior vice president of talent relations John Laurinaitis, claiming she experienced "physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault and trafficking" while working at the company.

Laurinaitis is yet to publicly address the allegations, while McMahon stepped down from his role as ex ecutive chairman of TKO - WWE's parent company - in the wake of the accusations.

He said in a statement: "I stand by my prior statement that Ms. Grant's lawsuit is replete with lies, obscene made-up instances that never occurred, and is a vindictive distortion of the truth.

"I intend to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations and look forward to clearing my name.

"However, out of respect for the WWE Universe, the extraordinary TKO business and its board members and shareholders, partners, and constituents, and all of the employees and Superstars who helped make WWE into the global leader it is today, I have decided to resign from my ex ecutive chairmanship and the TKO board of directors, effective immediately."