"Targets black men": Shannon Sharpe claims his $50 million r*pe lawsuit is "being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee" and he might release a s*x tape 

According to the New York Times and ABC3340, Shannon Sharpe, a former NFL player, and current media figure, has publicly addressed a $50 million lawsuit brought against him, accusing him of s*xual assault. Sharpe, in his response, denied the accusations and indicated that the lawsuit is being masterminded by attorney Tony Buzbee.

He claimed the case is a part of a pattern, saying,

“This is being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee… Tony Buzbee targets black men and i believe he is going to release a 30 second clip of a s*x tape that tries to make me look guilty and play into every stereotype you could possibly imagine”

As per the New York Times and CBS News, the suit was brought in Nevada by a female, Jane Doe, who alleged Sharpe r*ped her on repeated occasions during what she said was a romantic affair. Sharpe, through his attorney Lanny Davis, denies that the relationship was consensual. He further alleges that the charges have been brought in bad faith and that they are an attempt to harm his reputation.

Allegations and legal representation

As per Yahoo Sports, the lawsuit states that Jane Doe was allegedly forced into s*x and emotionally abused by Sharpe for nearly two years. The plaintiff is represented by Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee, who has handled some of the largest cases. Buzbee stated that the case has severe allegations that will be pursued through the courts.

As per The New York Times, Tony Buzbee said,

"I look forward to presenting the evidence in this case through the judicial process, where the truth matters more than a sports icon’s desperate public spin.”

Sharpe's lawyers have maintained that the accusations do not represent the character of the relationship and that efforts to settle the issue in private were spurned. Lawyer Lanny Davis said Sharpe had made a previous offer of a monetary settlement via mediation, which was refused by the plaintiff's team.

Video and audio content cited in lawsuit

According to Yahoo Sports and Clutch Points, the suit mentions a 30-second video that has been characterized by Buzbee as being pertinent to the case. Sharpe and his attorneys have questioned the context of the clip, arguing it does not reflect the circumstances and asking that the entire video be made public.

Clutch Points and CBS News also reveal that the audio recordings in the suit allegedly contain threatening comments by Sharpe. His attorney said those comments were made in the course of a shouting match and were not meant to be taken literally.

Background and connected incidents

As reported by WBLS, Sharpe had a different incident in September 2024, when a private moment was mistakenly livestreamed on Instagram. He explained at the time, stating he did not know how to use the platform and never meant for the video to go public. That video has cropped up again as the lawsuit has continued to draw media coverage.

Sharpe's legal approach going forward

As per The New York Times, ABC3340, and CBS News, Sharpe has announced intentions to countersue the plaintiff and Tony Buzbee for defamation. His attorneys maintain the charges have caused reputational damage and that the suit is not meritorious.

The case is still in preliminary stages, with both parties gearing up for possible litigation. Sharpe has underlined his commitment to clearing his name and said he will persist in defending himself through lawful means.

Also read: Why was Shannon Sharpe sued for $50M? Details explored as the former professional football tight end is accused of s*xual assault

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback