Shannon Sharpe Sexual Assault Lawsuit: NFL Star Denies Claims, Calls It a Money Grab
Shannon Sharpe sexual assault lawsuit headlines a new civil case filed in Las Vegas, naming the retired NFL star and podcast host as the defendant. A woman known as “Jane Doe” accuses 56-year-old Shannon Sharpe of sexual assault, battery, and repeated emotional abuse over a two-year period. Sharpe denies the accusations and calls the lawsuit an attempt to extort money.
The lawsuit claims that Sharpe started a relationship with Jane Doe in 2023, when she was 20 years old. The plaintiff says their relationship began consensually but quickly turned harmful as Sharpe manipulated and controlled her. She highlights two major incidents in the complaint—both involving alleged violent sexual assaults in October 2024 and January 2025 in Las Vegas.
Sharpe, who co-hosts the popular “Club Shay Shay” podcast, addressed the lawsuit in a video on X. “This is a shakedown,” he said. “I’m going to be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right.”
Sexual Assault Claims Against Shannon Sharpe
Jane Doe says Sharpe assaulted her after he spent months threatening and controlling her, despite being more than thirty years older. She claims Sharpe ignored her repeated protests during both incidents. She says she sobbed and screamed for him to stop, but he overpowered her.
Her attorney, Tony Buzbee, stated, “It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against those with power, fame, and money.” Buzbee has not confirmed whether Jane Doe contacted law enforcement after the alleged incidents.
Sharpe’s legal team responded by calling the claims baseless. They argued that Sharpe and Jane Doe had a consensual relationship, one that she often initiated. Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, stated, “Mr. Sharpe categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct.”
What You Should Know:
- The lawsuit was filed on Sunday in Las Vegas by a woman using the name “Jane Doe.”
- She accuses Shannon Sharpe of two violent sexual assaults in 2024 and 2025.
- The relationship reportedly started as consensual in 2023.
- Jane Doe is seeking over $50 million in damages.
- Sharpe denies the claims and says the relationship was mutual.
- No confirmation has been made regarding a police report.
Shannon Sharpe built his reputation as a standout NFL tight end, winning three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. The Pro Football Hall of Fame honored him in 2011 after he retired with record-breaking stats for his position. In recent years, Sharpe gained a large following through his sports and culture podcast “Club Shay Shay.”
With no criminal charges announced at this time, the legal process is expected to move forward through the civil court system. Sharpe says he is prepared to prove his innocence and defend his reputation.
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