Shannon Sharpe Settles $50 Million Rape Lawsuit
Tony Buzbee, a lawyer for the Jane Doe, announced on Friday that a deal was reached to resolve the lawsuit. Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed.
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'Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship,' he wrote in an Instagram post. 'After protracted and respectful negotiations, I'm pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution.'
In a lawsuit brought in April in Nevada state court, the accuser alleged that Sharpe 'violently sexually assaulted and anally raped' her. She sought at least $50 million.
In a statement posted on X attributed to his lawyer Lanny Davis, Sharpe named his accuser and cited text messages that he said prove that the relationship was consensual. He said that he '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.'
Sharpe later said he's 'electing to step aside temporarily' from ESPN, with plans to return in time for the NFL's preseason.
Sharpe and the woman met in 2023 at a Los Angeles gym, according to the complaint. They soon entered into a relationship, which included consensual sex, that later turned violent, the lawsuit claimed.
After moving to Las Vegas, the woman alleged Sharpe, who also relocated to the area, confronted her and demanded she take him to her house. Once there, she claimed he forced her to perform oral sex before penetrating her.
Three months later in January, Sharpe allegedly assaulted her a second time, the lawsuit said. He 'grabbed her—pulling her around and positioning her to perform oral sex, which lasted for roughly two minutes,' the complaint stated. 'Then, Sharpe repositioned her and roughly forced himself inside her.'
The lawsuit brought a claim for sexual battery, as well as one for intentional infliction of emotional distress for Sharpe's alleged verbal abuse, among others. Sharpe has also been sued in New York state court by an ex-girlfriend, who alleges he forced her to perform oral sex.
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