Shannon Sharpe Addresses Sexual Assault Lawsuit in New Video
Shannon Sharpe has broken his silence in a video statement, firmly denying sexual assault allegations made against him in a $50 million civil lawsuit. The former NFL star and ESPN host called the claims “a shakedown” and said the relationship in question was fully consensual.
The statement comes just after attorney Tony Buzbee, who’s representing the woman suing Sharpe, released a disturbing audio clip. In the recording, a man alleged to be Sharpe is heard making threatening and aggressive remarks. Buzbee claims the audio supports his clients allegations of abuse and emotional distress.
Sharpe’s legal team says the clip is “taken out of context” and unrelated to any sexual misconduct. His attorney, Lanny J. Davis, maintains that the relationship included consensual role-play and that messages exchanged between Sharpe and the woman back that up.
However, Buzbee claims that the text messages were exchanged way before the alleged crimes were committed and that Sharpe actually offered the woman $10 million to not file the lawsuit.
The woman, Gabriella Zuniga, who is also allegedly an OnlyFans creator and listed as Jane Doe in court documents, alleges Sharpe engaged in non-consensual sex acts, filmed her without consent, and emotionally manipulated her during their two-year relationship. She says the situation worsened after Sharpe accidentally live-streamed himself with another woman in late 2024.
Sharpe, best known today for co-hosting ESPN’s First Take and his podcast Club Shay Shay, has not been criminally charged but says he believes Buzbee will soon release an edited, 30-second sex tape in an attempt to make Sharpe look guilty.
Stay tuned to the Quicksilva Show for the latest on this developing story.
