Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit: Five Biggest Allegations Leveled by 'Jane Doe'

Newsweek

21-04-2025

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Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe was sued on Sunday by an anonymous woman accusing the Hall of Famer of rape and sexual assault.
The 13-page complaint was filed in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, Nevada.
The plaintiff, who uses the pseudonym "Jane Doe," said she was in a "rocky consensual relationship" that lasted nearly two years, according to the lawsuit obtained by Newsweek.
The plaintiff is being represented by Micah Nash and Tony Buzbee, the latter of whom represented over 20 plaintiffs who sued quarterback Deshaun Watson and over 100 plaintiffs in lawsuits against rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.
Sharpe's attorney, Lanny J. Davis, denied the allegations in a statement posted on X by Sharpe. Davis said the lawsuit is a "blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars."
Why It Matters
Sharpe played 14 seasons as a tight end in the NFL, spending most of his career with the Denver Broncos.
Shannon Sharpe is pictured during the 56th NAACP Image Awards on February 22 in Pasadena, California.
Shannon Sharpe is pictured during the 56th NAACP Image Awards on February 22 in Pasadena, California.
Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
Sharpe retired in 2003 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. The complaint against Sharpe seeks a minimum of $50 million.
What To Know
The plaintiff is identified as a woman in her early 20s. She was 19 when she met Sharpe in 2023, according to court documents.
Sharpe Livestreamed a Sexual Encounter
Sharpe allegedly told the plaintiff that they were in a sexually exclusive relationship, according to the lawsuit. In September 2024, Sharpe "humiliated" the plaintiff by livestreaming himself having sexual relations with another woman on Instagram. Sharpe had over 1.1 million followers at the time.
"He later made jest of the incident on his podcast 'Club Shay Shay' and show 'Night Cap.' But for Plaintiff, it was anything but funny," the plaintiff's attorneys wrote.
Sharpe said the recording was accidental but attorneys allege that Sharpe livestreamed the encounter "on purpose" for social media views and "attention."
The lawsuit claims that the plaintiff was hurt emotionally by the incident and feared for her sexual health. She then attempted to distance herself from Sharpe, but he continued to call her "relentlessly, multiple times per hour," the filing said.
Sharpe Is Accused of Recording Sexual Encounters Without Consent
The lawsuit alleges that Sharpe also secretly recorded sexual encounters with the plaintiff without her consent.
He allegedly told the plaintiff that the videos were for "personal use," but the plaintiff's attorneys claim that he shared the videos with friends and associates.
The lawsuit also alleges that the plaintiff was forced to have sex with Sharpe while on FaceTime with one of his childhood friends.
Verbal Assault Allegations
The plaintiff said Sharpe verbally assaulted her by screaming at her and berating her "for what felt like hours."
"He accused her of disrespecting him, wasting his time, and warned that if she wanted to be with 'The Shannon Sharpe,' she would have to learn obedience. Plaintiff was terrified and feared for her physical safety," the filing states.
The attorneys said the woman fell into a cycle of "control, fear, and submission."
Rape Allegations
Sharpe allegedly confronted the plaintiff at a gym in October 2024. The lawsuit alleges that she was forced under threat to get into his car and go to her house.
'Eerily Similar' Lawsuit in New York
The filing alleges the woman was forced to perform oral sex on Sharpe, then raped, noting that Sharpe is a defendant in an "eerily similar" lawsuit in New York. That suit lists multiple allegations, including intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The New York plaintiff alleges that Sharpe forced her to perform nonconsensual oral sex and other sexual acts. He allegedly told the New York plaintiff that he would "make it so no other man would want [her]," according to the lawsuit.
The Nevada plaintiff alleges that Sharpe said the same phrase to her.
What People Are Saying
Buzbee, in a statement sent to Newsweek: "I'm extremely proud to represent Jane Doe. It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against those with power, fame and money. I look forward to pressing this case in court."
Davis, in a statement posted to X by Sharpe: "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. 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."
What Happens Next
The case is expected to proceed in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County, Nevada. Sharpe's attorney has vehemently denied all allegations.
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