Shannon Sharpe slapped with $20M lawsuit for trashing woman at an Usher concert just days after dodging $50M assault case
Just two weeks after settling a high-profile $50 million sexual assault lawsuit, NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe is now facing another legal battle—this time, a $20 million defamation suit linked to his viral comments about a woman at an Usher concert.
Lawsuit filed over 'false narrative' stemming from viral concert video
The new lawsuit, filed by Jimalita Tillman, accuses Shannon Sharpe of causing severe emotional distress and reputational harm. Tillman alleges that Sharpe made misleading comments about her on his show "Nightcap," which he co-hosts with Chad Ochocinco, under their production company Shay Shay Media.
The controversy stems from a video of Tillman at an April 2 Usher concert that gained traction online. Sharpe's commentary reportedly implied the video sparked a dispute between Tillman and her husband, allegedly leading to discussions of divorce.
However, according to Tillman, she was not married at the time—and had already addressed the video publicly on national platforms.
She contends that Sharpe's commentary created a 'false narrative' that damaged both her personal life and professional reputation. The lawsuit claims she has suffered ongoing emotional trauma, reputational damage, and the deterioration of critical relationships.
ESPN
fallout and Shannon Sharpe's emotional request around brother's Hall of Fame induction
This latest legal blow comes just as Sharpe was dealing with professional turbulence following his departure from ESPN's 'First Take.'
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According to Sharpe, he asked the network to delay the announcement of his exit so as not to overshadow his brother, Sterling Sharpe's Hall of Fame induction.
Shannon Sharpe BREAKS SILENCE about his departure from ESPN and letting Sterling down! | Nightcap
'The only thing I really asked is, 'Guys, could we wait until Monday? My brother's going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I really want it to be about him and I want it to be about my family … unfortunately, it didn't happen that way,'' Sharpe said on his 'Nightcap' podcast.
'They did what they felt they needed to do, I'm at peace with that. I just wish this thing could've waited till Monday because I hate the fact that I am overshadowing my brother.'
ESPN has yet to release an official statement on Sharpe's exit or the lawsuit's impact.
Also Read:
Shannon Sharpe's net worth in 2025: How much he earned as ESPN has now officially parted ways with former NFL star
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