Shannon Sharpe's sexual assault accuser's lawyer hits back, denies racial targeting as $50M lawsuit settlement sparks ESPN fallout
Tony Buzbee defends his reputation amid accusations of racial bias
Marine Corps bond reportedly helped close the case quietly
NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe continues to face public scrutiny after the shocking lawsuit filed against him earlier this year by 19-year-old Gabriella Zuniga. As the dust settles from a quiet $50 million settlement, the spotlight now turns to the attorney representing Zuniga—Tony Buzbee—who's firing back after being accused of racially targeting high-profile Black men.Attorney Tony Buzbee, known for representing multiple women in the Deshaun Watson misconduct case, has strongly pushed back against Sharpe's claim that he deliberately goes after Black men. In a candid interview with Esquire, Buzbee made it clear: 'He has no relevance in my life. I actually think he's very entertaining when he yells and screams and talks about sports that he's not involved in. But if I think it's a legitimate case, then I pursue it. And I think this is worth my time.'Buzbee, who previously filed lawsuits involving Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs, now finds himself under fire for what critics see as a pattern. However, the Houston-based attorney insists his pursuit of justice is based on merit, not race. His comments come after Sharpe was accused by Gabriella Zuniga of rape, emotional abuse, and coercive behavior during their brief relationship in 2023.Zuniga, a former OnlyFans model, alleged she was subjected to public humiliation and non-consensual acts—claims that made headlines in April when the lawsuit was officially filed in Nevada.Despite the public tension, Sharpe's attorney Michael Marino revealed a surprising twist in the resolution. 'Like many highly successful individuals, Tony Buzbee is a complex and formidable figure,' Marino said. 'Our shared experience as former officers in the United States Marine Corps fostered a mutual respect... That brotherhood enabled us to speak candidly and constructively.'That connection led to a private settlement in July, one that has now prompted professional consequences. Sharpe was quietly let go from ESPN following the scandal, though he continues to remain a vocal presence through his popular podcasts Club Shay Shay and Nightcap.Also Read: 'She just wants attention': Simone Biles faces unexpected NFL backlash as feud with Riley Gaines fuels fan criticism
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