Shannon Sharpe, a former American football tight end, has been accused of sexual assault and battery while intentionally inflicting emotional distress. USA Today Sports obtained the lawsuit filed on April 20, 2025, in Clark County, Nevada, and shared limited details. The plaintiff’s identity remains confidential as she is listed under the alias “Jane Doe.”
Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit
The unnamed woman in the lawsuit claims she was in a consensual, yet unstable, relationship with Shannon Sharpe for almost two years after they met in a Los Angeles gym in 2023. She is seeking $50 million in damages for the assault and emotional distress that Sharpe caused her. According to the lawsuit, the woman was 19 years old at the beginning of their relationship, while Sharpe was in his 50s. She alleges he sexually assaulted her twice, once back in October 2024 and the second time in January 2025.
The lawsuit states, “Sharpe flew into fits of anger when Plaintiff noted his infidelity to their relationship, or called him out about his extraneous activities.” Doe became fearful of Shannon Sharpe and his capabilities, not knowing how far he might go. The lawsuit continued, “What had once been manipulation, control, and intimidation now became something far more dangerous and sinister. Sharpe even figured out how to get into Doe’s apartment complex without her permission.”
The woman claims Shannon Sharpe was violent throughout their relationship, threatening to kill her at one point. He also allegedly recorded their sexual encounters without her knowledge; therefore, without her consent. On two occasions in Las Vegas, Sharpe ignored the woman’s requests for him to stop, leading to a violent sexual assault.
Doe’s Defense Team
“Jane Doe” is seemingly in good hands with her defense attorneys, Tony Buzbee and Micah Nash. Buzbee has experience handling sexual misconduct amongst highly publicized individuals such as Sean “Diddy” Combs and Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns quarterback. Watson was accused of sexual misconduct by more than two dozen massage therapists. Buzbee was a part of the legal team that sued Watson and won.
Shannon Sharpe’s Response
Shannon Sharpe was quick to respond to the lawsuit and sexual assault allegations. He outed “Jane Doe” as Gabriella Zuniga and publicly shared explicit text messages between the two to show the true nature of their relationship. Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, explained that the text messages show a consensual relationship that incorporated roleplay. According to Davis, the claims are false and “a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars.”
Several text messages were revealed to show Zuniga messaging Shannon Sharpe on January 1, 2025, saying, “I know u miss this big juicy ass…$25k for each cheek.” Sharpe’s legal team claims this communication continued on the following days, which contradicts “Jane Doe’s” claims in the lawsuit. In response to the evidence provided, Lanny Davis stated, “This was a consensual relationship with mutual participation and communication. The false narrative being pushed by Ms. Zuniga does not match the documented facts.”
Shannon Sharpe’s defense claims Ms. Zuniga is attempting this lawsuit to gain some of his fortune. She allegedly tried to use a video she secretly recorded of an intimate encounter between the two, and edited it to distort its nature. Sharpe has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct or coercion. He intends to appear in court to contest the lawsuit. His attorney said, “He will not submit to what he sees as an egregious attempt at blackmail.”
