Shannon Sharpe Sued for Sexual Assault, $100M Deal

Hall of Fame NFL tight end and media personality Shannon Sharpe has been sued in Nevada for $50 million by a woman identified as Jane Doe, who accuses him of rape, sexual assault, battery, and emotional abuse during a nearly two-year relationship starting in 2023 when she was 19 or 20 and he was in his mid-50s. The lawsuit alleges Sharpe manipulated and controlled her, secretly recorded and distributed their sexual encounters, and forced unprotected sex after she objected. Specific incidents of alleged assault are cited in October 2024 and January 2025. The complaint describes Sharpe becoming increasingly coercive and threatening, particularly after Doe attempted to end the relationship following his controversial Instagram Live with another woman. The plaintiff is represented by high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee. Sharpe, reportedly negotiating a podcast deal worth over $100 million, has not commented publicly on the allegations.