Shannon Sharpe responds after ex-girlfriend Gabriella Zuniga sues him for $50 million over sexual assault allegations

Shannon Sharpe, former NFL player and host of the podcast Club Shay Shay, has been sued for $50 million by his former girlfriend Gabriella Zuniga in a Nevada civil case over allegations of sexual assault.

The lawsuit, filed by the woman previously identified as Jane Doe, outlines claims of a two-year relationship that allegedly turned abusive, including accusations of rape and unauthorised sharing of intimate videos.

Zuniga's complaint states that she met Sharpe at a gym in 2023, when she was 19. She describes the relationship as initially consensual but later characterised by coercion and violence. The lawsuit includes allegations of sexual assaults in October 2024 and January 2025, and also references a September 2024 incident during which Sharpe was reportedly heard engaging in sexual activity on Instagram Live. Zuniga alleges she was not the woman involved and found the event humiliating.

Sharpe’s legal team has issued a strong denial. In a statement posted to social media, attorney Lanny J. Davis called the case “a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars.” The statement argues that the claims are false and part of a deliberate strategy to damage Sharpe’s reputation and secure financial gain.

As part of his defence, Sharpe released a series of explicit text messages allegedly from Zuniga, which include references to sexual role-play and financial arrangements. Sharpe’s team contends that these texts, along with what they describe as a manipulated video, support the consensual nature of the relationship.

The civil complaint was filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, known for representing clients in other high-profile sexual misconduct cases, including lawsuits against Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z.

No criminal charges have been filed, and the case remains a civil matter pending in Nevada state court. Both sides appear prepared to contest the claims publicly and in court.