Former NFL player and current sports commentator Shannon Sharpe is at the centre of a heated legal battle after being accused of sexual assault by a woman he was reportedly involved with for two years.
Shannon Sharpe lawsuit: Here’s what you must know
The lawsuit, filed in Nevada, outlines a series of serious allegations, including physical abuse, non-consensual sexual acts, and psychological manipulation.
According to the court filing, the woman—who is being represented by Tony Buzbee, the same lawyer currently being sued by Jay-Z for coercing his client to include the billionaire in a false sex assault claim involving Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs—claims Sharpe used his fame and influence to dominate and harm her.
The lawsuit describes the relationship as toxic and exploitative, highlighting the age difference between Sharpe, 56, and the much younger plaintiff.
Among the accusations are claims of rape, unauthorised recordings of sexual encounters, and threats.
Shannon Sharpe fires back
Sharpe, through his attorney Lanny J. Davis, strongly denied the allegations. In a statement, Davis called the lawsuit a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars.”
To back this claim, his legal team released a series of graphic text messages allegedly sent by the accuser, Gabriella Zuniga, which they argue show a consensual and sexually expressive relationship initiated and sustained by her.
One of the texts reads, “I know u miss this big juicy a**…$25k for each cheek,” dated 1 January 2025.
Another message includes explicit language about sexual fantasies and role-play, which Sharpe’s legal team says demonstrates mutual and willing involvement.
Sharpe’s lawyers also revealed that Zuniga allegedly showed him a secretly recorded video of one of their encounters, which they claim was selectively edited to paint a non-consensual narrative.
The video, they say, was used in a blackmail attempt, and they are currently demanding access to the unedited footage for their defence.
Sharpe has stated he is ready to defend himself in court and will not settle.
“He stands firmly by the truth,” Davis said, “and is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court.”
At the time of the lawsuit, Sharpe was employed by ESPN after previously co-hosting sports talk shows on Fox Sports.
He is also a Pro Football Hall of Famer, having earned widespread respect for his achievements as a tight end with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens.
The case is expected to draw significant attention, both for its legal implications and its reflection of ongoing issues surrounding celebrity, consent, and public accountability.
