Shannon Sharpe, a former NFL player and current ESPN personality, is facing a $50 million lawsuit filed by a 20-year-old woman named Gabriella Zuniga. According to the lawsuit, Sharpe allegedly met Zuniga at a Los Angeles gym in 2023, and their consensual relationship turned abusive and controlling.
What is the Lawsuit that has Troubled Shannon Sharpe?
The lawsuit alleges that Sharpe exerted extreme control over Zuniga, demanding authority over her time and body. It claims he threatened to harm her when she attempted to share her location with others. Additionally, the lawsuit states that Sharpe sexually assaulted Zuniga in late 2024 after she tried to end their relationship and raped her again in January 2025.
Sharpe has denied the allegations, calling them a "shakedown." His lawyer, Lanny J. Davis, revealed that Sharpe offered Zuniga "at least $10 million" to settle the case before it went public, but she rejected the offer. Davis also claimed that a video of Sharpe and Zuniga will be released soon but cautioned that it might be heavily edited.
Zuniga filed a lawsuit against Sharpe in Nevada state court, seeking $50 million in damages. Her lawyer released an audio recording of a conversation in which Sharpe allegedly threatens to harm her, serving as key evidence in the case. In response, Sharpe has vowed to vigorously defend himself in court and has stepped away from his role at ESPN to focus on the legal proceedings.
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Summary of Lawsuit
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Lawsuit Filing: Zuniga filed the lawsuit in Nevada state court, seeking $50 million in damages.
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Audio Evidence: Zuniga's lawyer released an audio recording of a conversation between Sharpe and Zuniga, where Sharpe allegedly threatens to harm her.
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Sharpe's Response: Sharpe plans to defend himself vigorously in court and has stepped away from ESPN to focus on the case.
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