Shannon Sharpe settles $50 million sexual assault lawsuit with Gabriella Zuniga

The $50 lawsuit concerning the former NFL player and media personality, Shannon Sharpe, has been settled. The lawsuit was filed by Gabriella Zuniga in April 2025 in Nevada, claiming sexual assault during their relationship since 2023.

The news of the settlement was shared by Zuniga's attorney, Tony Buzbee, on Friday, July 18, 2025, via his Instagram and a public statement. He said that the two have ''reached a mutually agreed upon resolution” and that the ''lawsuit would be dismissed with prejudice.''

The exact details of the $50 million settlement between Shannon and Zuniga remain confidential, including the settlement amount, conditions, or concessions.

More about the settlement of the $50 million lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe

On Friday, attorney Tony Buzbee, who was representing Zuniga, shared on his Instagram account about the settlement of the lawsuit. He said:

''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.''

It continued:

''After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice.''

In the lawsuit filed by Zuniga, she accused Sharpe of sexually assaulting her multiple times during their relationship, specifically towards the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. As per the filing, the two had a ''rocky'' relationship. Around the same time, her legal team had released an audio that was alleged to be a recording of Shannon threatening to choke her.

In response, Sharpe released graphic text messages between Zuniga and himself that showed that their relationship was consensual and involved ''fantasy.'' Shannon had responded to the lawsuit by calling it a ''shakedown'' orchestrated by Tony. In an Instagram Live video in April, he had said:

''I'm going to be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn't right. This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee. Tony Buzbee targets Black men.''

He had denied all the allegations against him. His attorney, Lanny J. Davis, has said this about the allegations at the time:

''Mr. Sharpe 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.''

The statement continues:

“He stands firmly by the truth and is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court. He looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.”

As per reports by The Sun, Sharpe was willing to settle the case for ten million dollars, but the offer was rejected, and the case had then proceeded. When the lawsuit was filed, Sharpe voluntarily stepped away from ESPN’s First Take, but stated that he would return at the start of the NFL preseason.

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