Shannon Sharpe settles rape lawsuit that sought $50 million in damages

New York Times

19-07-2025

Shannon Sharpe, a Hall of Fame tight end and media personality, has resolved a lawsuit in which his ex-girlfriend accused him of rape, according to the woman's attorney.
The woman, whose lawsuit referred to her only as 'Jane Doe,' was seeking $50 million for 'pain and suffering, psychological and emotional distress, mental anguish, embarrassment and humiliation.' Her attorney, Tony Buzbee, announced the dismissal Friday in a post on X but did not specify the details of the settlement.
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Sharpe publicly denied the allegations immediately after his accuser filed the suit in April, calling the case a 'shakedown' attempt. He has maintained that he and the Nevada woman were in a consensual sexual relationship, which Buzbee confirmed in his tweet.
'After protracted and respectful negotiations, I'm pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution,' Buzbee wrote. 'All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice.'
JANE DOE V. SHANNON SHARPE
On April 20, 2025, The Buzbee Law Firm filed a complaint in Nevada making several allegations against Shannon Sharpe on behalf of our client. Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. After protracted and respectful…
— Tony Buzbee (@TonyBuzbee2) July 18, 2025
A dismissal with prejudice means Sharpe's accuser cannot refile the same claim against him in the same Las Vegas court. No criminal charges were filed against Sharpe.
The original lawsuit said Sharpe raped the woman twice in October 2024 and again in January 2025. It also accused Sharpe of repeatedly recording the two having sex without her consent during their two-year relationship, which began in 2023. The suit further alleged that Sharpe was physically abusive, choking and hitting Doe, in addition to threatening her life multiple times.
Lanny Davis, Sharpe's attorney when the case was filed, declined to comment. Buzbee's office has not responded to a request for comment. Davis previously said Sharpe offered the woman $10 million before she filed the lawsuit, but she rejected it.
Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl champion who retired in 2003, appeared on ESPN's 'First Take' every Monday and Tuesday before the lawsuit's filing. The day after the suit became public, Sharpe announced he was stepping away from television but would return to the network by the time the NFL preseason begins on July 31. He has not yet given a specific return date.
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During his absence from ESPN, Sharpe has continued to host his 'Club Shay Shay' podcast alongside former wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. He also hosts another podcast called 'Nightcap,' which he has also continued. Sharpe has not publicly commented on the resolution announcement.