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Time of India
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shannon Sharpe gets a major court update after $20 million lawsuit over viral Usher concert moment
Shannon Sharpe gets a major court update after $20 million lawsuit over viral Usher concert moment (Image via Getty) Shannon Sharpe lawsuit dismissed after $20 million defamation case filed by Jimalita Tillman over viral Usher concert video. On August 7, 2025, a Chicago federal court officially ended the legal fight between Jimalita Tillman, a cultural center director, and Shannon Sharpe, a retired NFL star and podcast host. Jimalita Tillman had accused Shannon Sharpe and his co-host Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson of falsely claiming she was married during her flirty on-stage moment with singer Usher in April. The judge closed the case with no money awarded, and Jimalita Tillman later said she was satisfied with the result. What sparked the $20 million lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe and Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson In April 2025, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson spoke about a viral moment at an Usher concert in London, where Jimalita Tillman, seated in the front row, received a cherry from Usher and shared a flirty glance. On their Nightcap podcast, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson suggested Jimalita Tillman was married or divorced because of that moment. Jimalita Tillman says she was single and never married. That statement caught fire on social media, and she felt it damaged her work at the Harold Washington Cultural Center and her role in homeschooling advocacy. She tried to reach Sharpe and Johnson to fix the claim but got no reply. Also Read: Travis Kelce And Taylor Swift Misses Family Funeral While Jason Kelce Stands Alone How Jimalita Tillman responded after the court dismissed the $20M lawsuit Jimalita Tillman, a Chicago arts administrator and single mother, filed her lawsuit on April 24, 2025, first in Cook County court. It quickly moved to federal court in Chicago. Jimalita Tillman asked for $20 million in damages. On August 7, 2025, a judge dismissed the case 'without an award of fees or cost to any party'; neither side had to pay legal fees. Afterward, Jimalita Tillman said , 'I am pleased with the outcome. We were able to put this matter behind us without a long‑drawn‑out court matter. We look forward to future discussions about the positive contributions Mr. Sharpe and I both make to the community. I wish him, his family, and his business endeavors continued success.' The case is now officially closed, with both sides walking away without further legal action. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Jimalita Tillman? The arts leader suing Shannon Sharpe over Usher concert defamation
Jimalita Tillman, a prominent arts executive known for her work at Chicago's Harold Washington Cultural Center, is suing Shannon Sharpe for defamation (Image via IG) Jimalita Tillman isn't just a name caught in the whirlwind of celebrity gossip—she's a trailblazing arts executive, educator, and cultural advocate with deep roots in Chicago's creative community. As the longtime Executive Director of the Harold Washington Cultural Center (HWCC), Tillman has devoted her life to empowering underrepresented voices, developing youth arts programming, and promoting Black excellence through performance and education. But now, she's making headlines for an entirely different reason—filing a defamation lawsuit against NFL Hall of Famer turned media commentator, Shannon Sharpe. The Usher moment that spiraled into internet chaos It all began with what was supposed to be a joyful, empowering moment. On April 2, 2025, during an Usher concert, Tillman was chosen from the crowd for an impromptu serenade by the R&B superstar. As she recalled, 'He wasn't even supposed to stop where we were! It was like magnetic. And he smells like vacation. So he brought me closer and I locked in. I brought out all the Broadway magic that I had, but it was easy!' But soon after the video went viral, rumors swirled online—baseless claims that Tillman was a married woman and that her husband had filed for divorce over her interaction with Usher. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Ken Koh revived ailing family business in S'pore to produce the 'Rolls-Royce' of soya sauce CNA Read More Undo Shannon Sharpe, via his popular podcast and social media accounts, amplified the rumor, joking and speculating about the incident without verifying the facts. According to Tillman, this triggered a flood of online harassment and reputational damage. A decorated arts leader fighting back Jimalita Tillman comes from a family of civil rights leaders and educators. At HWCC, she's mentored countless young performers, partnered with Broadway professionals, and championed arts access in underserved communities. She's a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and has performed professionally in musical theater—often blending activism with artistry. Now, Tillman is taking a stand against misinformation. In her lawsuit, she accuses Sharpe of defamation and 'reckless disregard for the truth.' Despite going public to correct the false narrative—'I am not married, nor am I currently going through a divorce'—the rumors continued to circulate. Still, she remains focused: 'I am a retired homeschool mom looking to expand the arts here and across the pond. I am single. You got a cherry, give me a jingle.' Also Read: Shannon Sharpe slapped with $20M lawsuit for trashing woman at an Usher concert just days after dodging $50M assault case Through it all, Jimalita Tillman continues to embody the very grace and power she brings to the stage—fighting to reclaim her narrative and defend her legacy in the face of viral misinformation. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
