Shannon Sharpe Faces New $50 Million Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault
NFL Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Shannon Sharpe is facing a $50 million civil lawsuit filed in Clark County, Nevada, by a woman identified in court documents as Jane Doe. The plaintiff alleges that Sharpe raped her multiple times and subjected her to coercion and emotional abuse during a nearly two-year relationship that began in 2023.
Trigger Warning: This article contains descriptions of alleged sexual assault and abuse.
According to the complaint, Jane Doe and Sharpe met at a gym in Los Angeles when she was 22 years old. The lawsuit alleges that Sharpe “made multiple advances” until she eventually agreed to a relationship. Though initially described as “rocky and consensual,” the plaintiff claims that the relationship later turned abusive. In one alleged instance from October 2024, the plaintiff accuses Sharpe of forcing her into a car, driving her to his home, and sexually assaulting her. She asserts that Sharpe “grabbed her head, forcing her to look at him as she sobbed,” while allegedly stating, “Look at this. Look at my arm. I’ve got chills. That’s how good this is.”
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 22, 2025
A second incident, occurring in January 2025, reportedly involved Sharpe visiting Jane Doe’s apartment under the pretense of delivering a combined Christmas and birthday gift. The woman alleges that Sharpe again sexually assaulted her during this encounter, refusing to use protection. These accusations are further compounded by claims that Sharpe filmed their intimate encounters without her consent and shared the footage with others.
The lawsuit also includes an earlier moment in which Sharpe allegedly threatened to kill the woman after she arrived late for a scheduled visit to his home.
Shannon sharpe is saying he’s being Shaken down and that he believes video of him and his sexual assault / rape accuser will be released to misrepresent the nature of their relationship. https://t.co/qYpMIQte7F
— BROWN GIRL GRINDING⭐️ (@LorenLorosa) April 22, 2025
In response, Sharpe and his legal team have categorically denied all allegations. His attorney, Lanny J. Davis, characterized the lawsuit as a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down” his client for financial gain. Davis further stated that the two were involved in a consensual relationship and emphasized that the claims include “lies, distortions, and misrepresentations.”
I just asked attorney Buzbee will more context or additional audio be added to this alleged Shannon Sharpe brief audio that released moments ago
— BROWN GIRL GRINDING⭐️ (@LorenLorosa) April 22, 2025
In this alleged audio you hear .. Shannon sharpe say … “he’ll “F*N choke the shi* out of the woman accusing him of sexual assault”… https://t.co/dXKSXN03Lx
Sharpe also released text messages that he claims show the plaintiff initiating graphic, sexual communication. “The evidence paints a clear picture: this was a consensual, adult relationship that included role-playing, sexual language, and fantasy scenarios,” Davis explained. He added that Sharpe “categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct—especially the gross lie of ‘rape’—and will not submit to what he sees as an egregious attempt at blackmail.”
Davis concluded by affirming that Sharpe “is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court” and “looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.”
Jane Doe is represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, who has previously handled high-profile sexual misconduct cases, including lawsuits involving Diddy and NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl champion, played 14 seasons in the NFL and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. After retiring from football, he transitioned to media, co-hosting FS1’s Undisputed before moving to ESPN.
The case, now drawing widespread attention, raises continued questions about power dynamics, consent, and privacy in high-profile relationships.
For those impacted by sexual violence, support is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at rainn.org.
