Shannon Sharpe Settles $50M Lawsuit

Former ESPN personality and NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe reached a settlement in a $50 million lawsuit filed by a woman, identified as Jane Doe (also known as Gabriella "Gabbi" Zuniga), who accused him of sexual assault and battery. 

The lawsuit, filed in April 2025 in Clark County, Nevada, alleged that Sharpe raped her multiple times during a two-year consensual but "tumultuous" relationship that began in 2023 after meeting at a Los Angeles gym. 

Jane Doe

The plaintiff claimed Sharpe was controlling, verbally abusive, and physically violent, including incidents of non-consensual sexual acts in October 2024 and January 2025. She sought $50 million in damages for assault, battery, and emotional distress.

Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the plaintiff, confirmed a "mutual resolution" was reached, acknowledging the relationship was consensual but tumultuous. 

Sharpe had previously denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a "shakedown" and claiming the relationship was fully consensual. His attorney, Lanny Davis, stated the lawsuit contained "lies, distortions, and misrepresentations" and noted Sharpe offered $10 million to settle before the lawsuit was filed, which the plaintiff rejected.

The settlement details remain confidential, and no criminal charges were filed. Sharpe temporarily stepped away from his ESPN duties in April 2025 to address the allegations, planning to return for the NFL preseason. The resolution allows both parties to move forward without further litigation.