On Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Nevada, a woman identified as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe, accusing the former NFL star and media personality of sexually assaulting and raping her multiple times between late 2024 and early 2025. The Shannon Sharpe sexual assault allegations come at a time when Sharpe’s career is in the best place it’s ever been, post his athletic career. The salacious allegations can leave a bit of a stain, but he’s hit back almost immediately with his response.
According to the plaintiff, she was involved in an abusive relationship with Shannon Sharpe for over a year. She is now suing the Hall of Famer for $50 million in damages, with the lawsuit being filed by Tony Buzbee, who has been in the news for other high profile sexual assault allegations.
In the detailed report, Doe claims she met Sharpe in 2023 at a gym in Los Angeles when she was 20 years old, while he was in his mid-50s. She says the relationship began after persistent calling, texting, and pressure to visit his Beverly Glen mansion. Though the relationship started consensually, Doe alleges that it quickly became “controlling and verbally abusive.”
Her attorney, Buzbee, stated in the suit: “He demanded complete control over her time and body. He expected her to be at his house on his schedule, at his command, whenever he called.”
Court documents also describe an incident during an argument, where Sharpe allegedly yelled at her while a firearm was visible. When she tried to share her location with friends for safety, Sharpe reportedly grabbed her by the neck and threatened to kill her if she ever did that again.
Despite the alleged abuse, the relationship continued, including a move to Nevada in the summer of 2024. Doe claims she tried to break things off after Sharpe’s controversial Instagram Live incident, which she says was followed by a sexual assault.
Doe alleges the first rape occurred in October 2024 at her apartment, while she was crying and pleading with him to stop. The second incident allegedly took place in January 2025, when Sharpe visited her home under the pretense of delivering birthday and Christmas gifts, but instead assaulted her again.
Shannon Sharpe Sexual Assault Allegations Response
On Sharpe’s side, he is firmly denying all allegations. His attorney, Lanny J. Davis, called the lawsuit “a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars.” Davis also referenced messages from Doe that included sexually explicit suggestions as evidence that the relationship was consensual.
Here’s Shannon’s social media post:
View this post on Instagram
“Mr. 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 said. “He stands firmly by the truth and is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court. He looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.”
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed, and the legal process is still unfolding. More developments are expected in the coming weeks.
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