NFL Hall-of-Famer and podcaster Shannon Sharpe has been sued for sexual assault by a woman identified as Jane Doe. Filed on Sunday in Nevada state court, the lawsuit claims that Sharpe violently raped her twice over a two-month period at her Las Vegas home. The woman is seeking at least $50 million in damages, alleging that Sharpe ignored her repeated pleas to stop during the assaults.
Sharpe Denies Assault Allegations, Claims Consensual Relationship Began After Meeting at Los Angeles Gym
Sharpe issued a response through a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) via his attorney, Lanny Davis. In the statement, Sharpe named the accuser and referenced text messages he claims show their relationship was consensual. He firmly denied all allegations of misconduct or coercion, describing the lawsuit as an “egregious attempt at blackmail” and categorically denying the accusation of rape.
Shannon Sharpe (NFL)According to the lawsuit, Sharpe and the woman met at a Los Angeles gym in 2023 and soon entered into a consensual relationship. After both moved to Las Vegas, the woman claims that Sharpe forced his way into her home and sexually assaulted her. She alleges that three months later, in January 2024, he again forcibly assaulted her, despite her protests, using physical force and verbal abuse.
Sharpe Faces Multiple Legal Battles While His Media Career Continues to Expand at ESPN
In addition to sexual battery, the lawsuit brings a claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress due to Sharpe’s alleged verbal abuse during the incidents. This case is not Sharpe’s only legal challenge; he is also facing a separate lawsuit in New York state court from an ex-girlfriend who alleges he forced her to perform oral sex.
The woman is represented by attorney Tony Buzbee, known for high-profile cases involving celebrities like Sean “Diddy” Combs. Meanwhile, Sharpe’s media career has been on an upward trajectory; he recently signed a multiyear contract with ESPN, expanding his role on First Take, one of the network’s most popular programs.