Shannon Sharpe has found himself in the middle of a legal mess after a $50 million civil lawsuit was filed against him, accusing the NFL legend of rape and abuse.
The lawsuit, filed in Nevada by a woman named Jane Doe, claims Sharpe sexually assaulted and physically abused her multiple times between late 2024 and early 2025.
Related: Shannon Sharpe Accused Of Rape In $50 Million Civil Lawsuit
Shannon Sharpe Fires Back: ‘This Is All Lies‘
In true Shannon Sharpe fashion, his legal team isn’t backing down.
On Monday, attorney Lanny J. Davis released a statement in response to the accusations, calling the lawsuit a “bold attempt to extort millions” from Sharpe.
And here’s the bombshell: The woman behind the lawsuit is none other than Gabriella Zuniga.
Yes, Jane Doe is Gabriella Zuniga, and according to Sharpe’s team, her claims are flat-out false.
The Alleged Blackmail And ‘Edited’ Video
The lawsuit points to a secret video recording of an alleged sexual encounter between Sharpe and Zuniga, which she claims shows assault.
But Sharpe’s camp is pushing back hard, saying the video has been heavily edited to misrepresent what really happened.
The kicker? Zuniga allegedly refuses to hand over the full, unedited version of the video to Sharpe’s legal team, which only raises more questions about her motives.
To make things even more intense, Sharpe’s team released a series of explicit text messages between the two.
These messages, they argue, show that their relationship was consensual and that Zuniga was the one initiating many of their sexual exchanges.
The Texts Speak For Themselves: Was This Really Non-Consensual?
The text messages speak volumes about the nature of their relationship, and frankly, they paint a very different picture from the one Zuniga is trying to portray. Some of the messages include:
- “I want you to put a dog collar around my neck and choke me with it while you’re f**king me.” — Gabriella Zuniga to Shannon Sharpe, October 7, 2023
- “I know u miss this big juicy a**…$25k for each cheek.” — Gabriella Zuniga to Shannon Sharpe, January 1, 2025
- “Only if you put that baby gravy in me, then I can do whatever I want to me.” — Gabriella Zuniga to Shannon Sharpe, November 23, 2023
- “You better crave it cuz ur gonna be stuck with it 4 life after you put a big black baby in me.” — Gabriella Zuniga to Shannon Sharpe, August 11, 2024
- “I wanna put my tongue in your a**hole and then marry u.” — Gabriella Zuniga to Shannon Sharpe, January 12, 2024
- “That’s my daddy f**k I want u to put a big black baby in me.” — Gabriella Zuniga to Shannon Sharpe, August 6, 2024
These texts don’t exactly scream “non-consensual.”
In fact, they suggest a relationship that was not only consensual but heavily charged with sexual banter, much of which was initiated by Zuniga herself.
Shannon Sharpe’s Strong Denial And Next Steps
Shannon Sharpe is standing firm against these serious allegations.
He’s completely rejecting the accusations of rape and abuse, especially the claim of “rape,” which he calls a “gross lie.”
Shannon is confident that the truth will come out and that this legal battle is nothing more than an attempt to extort him for millions.
He’s ready to take this fight to court and clear his name once and for all.
As he said in his statement: “I stand firmly by the truth, and I will fight these lies with everything I’ve got.”
Social Media Reacts: Shannon Sharpe Is Trending
Shannon Sharpe is trending on social media as people react to Shannon Sharpe outting himself as well as his accuser with the statement from his legal team.
Here’s a taste of what’s being said:
Me running to see why Shannon Sharpe is trending on Twitter:
— In My Mind (@MeAloneInMyMind) April 21, 2025
Also me running away after seeing why Shannon Sharpe is trending on Twitter: pic.twitter.com/rSJrnhvpVP
We've learned way too much about Shannon Sharpe's extracurricular activities pic.twitter.com/ajBzbMUb2U
— Aye Yo B (@BeSmoove7) April 21, 2025
I’ve learned entirely too much about Shannon Sharpe and Kanye West against my will, unprovoked.
— KIΠG KUΠT∆ (@RNB215) April 21, 2025
Everything I’ve been exposed to about Shannon Sharpe’s sex life has been against my will.
— k a r y . (@itsKARY_) April 21, 2025
Shannon Sharpe look like the type to let white bitches call him a Horse Hung Tar Toddler, nothing about those texts surprises me
— Quan Millz. 🇬🇾 (@falsepritense) April 21, 2025
Shannon Sharpe is a backwood Bama from Georgia who grew up walking on a dirt floor and using a literal outhouse.
— Martin Luther Vandross King Jr (@WordsNRoses) April 21, 2025
He definitely let that spicy white woman call him a spear chucking jungle bunny
Discovery is gonna be crazy
Shannon Sharpe being into race play is one of the least surprising things about him
— Emily Gilmore Apologist (@xoxotaye) April 21, 2025
Shannon Sharpe out here posting alleged receipts saying “oh no sweets you asked me to put a black baby in you” and honestly i think this day should just end
— BMORE Reeta (@theNFLchick) April 21, 2025
Trigger Warning: As much as we are confused & some joking, I’ll never feel comfortable knowing Shannon Sharpe revealed the name of someone who sued him anonymously. She sued him for sexual assault. I don’t care how popular & wealthy he is, men of all levels sexually assault women
— Queer Latifah 🥂 (@TheAfrocentricI) April 21, 2025
Dodging rape allegations, only to fall face-first into raceplay shit is DISGUSTING. https://t.co/tFvk8xMQJ3
— André Leon Stalley (@PhreshTooDeaf) April 21, 2025
Let me know your thoughts on Shannon Sharpe’s case and anything else you’d like to share in the comments below.
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