Shannon Sharpe's Legal Team Responds To $50 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Following the circulation of an audio recording featuring a voice believed to be that of Shannon Sharpe allegedly making threatening remarks towards a woman, the retired Hall of Fame football player has responded to the situation.

In a video posted on his social media accounts, Shannon Sharpe dismissed the $50 million lawsuit filed against him as an attempt at extortion and suggested that Tony Buzbee, a controversial attorney, might be planning to release a compromising video involving him.

Article continues below advertisement

Shannon Sharpe Says Tony Buzbee Is Orchestrating A Scheme Against Him

On April 22, 2025, shortly after attorney Buzbee shared an audio recording with TMZ that he asserted captures Sharpe making threats against his client, the host of “Club Shay Shay” took to his own social media platforms to address the controversy.

“To my family, friends, supporters, and colleagues, I want to speak to you directly and from the heart,” Sharpe said. “This is a shakedown. I’m gonna be open, transparent, and defend myself, because this isn’t right.”

Sharpe continued, blasting Buzbee for allegedly orchestrating a targeted scheme against him, which he said could involve releasing a sex tape that attempts to “make me look guilty.”

Article continues below advertisement

Shannon Sharpe Says A Sex Tape Could Be Released In The Coming Days

Shannon Sharpe at Los Angeles Special Screening Of Netflix's 'The Redeem Team'
MEGA

“I believe he’s going to release a thirty-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and play into every stereotype you could possibly imagine,” Sharpe continued in the video.

“That video should actually be ten minutes or so,” he continued. “Hey, Tony, instead of releasing your edit, put the whole video out. I don’t have it, or I would myself. You know what happened, and you’re trying to manipulate the media.

Sharpe went on to say that the encounter he’s referring to occurred during the day and at Buzbee’s client’s, Gabriella Zuniga’s, invitation.

Article continues below advertisement

“Gabbi and Tony Buzbee want fifty million dollars, [but] what they’re getting is sued for defamation and trying to take me down. My career is all about real talk and honesty. I know my family and fans know exactly what this is about, and I’m going to be out there telling you whatever I need to say, just like I always do. I love all you guys,” he finished.

Article continues below advertisement

Buzbee Released An Alleged Audio Call Of Sharpe Threatening His Client

Before Sharpe’s social media address, Buzbee and his client, Zuniga, shared an audio call with TMZ and claimed it featured Sharpe’s voice.

“I don’t know. Anything I say you’re just gonna, like, get mad at me and you’re just gonna hang up on me,” a woman’s voice can be heard saying in the clip.

Later, the voice alleged to be Sharpe can be heard replying, “I’m not going to hang up on you. It is what it is.”

After that, the male’s voice is heard telling the woman on the line that she was going to start being “a d-ck to me now,” urging her to say not to “manipulate me.”

The male voice replied: “Oh, lord, have mercy. If you say that word one more time, I’m gonna f-cking choke the sh-t out of you when I see you.”

Article continues below advertisement

The female voice said, “I don’t wanna be choked,” to which the male caller said, “Yes, you do. I don’t think you have a choice in the matter.”

Zuniga’s Alleged Text Messages Have Been Released

On April 21, the news that Sharpe was being sued for $50 million for allegedly assaulting Zuniga broke the internet.

The lawsuit claimed that after the two initially met at a gym in Los Angeles, they began a relationship that turned controlling.

“[Sharpe] demanded complete control over her time and body,” Buzbee wrote, “expecting her to be at his house on his schedule, at his command, whenever he called.”

Eventually, Sharpe’s legal team replied to the suit with a statement on his Instagram that read, “This lawsuit, filed by Gabriella Zuniga and orchestrated by her attorney Tony Buzbee, is a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars.”

Article continues below advertisement

Lanny J. Davis, Sharpe’s attorney, continued, “It is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations — and it will not succeed.”

In the statement, they also released text messages and attributed them to Zuniga.

Sharpe and Zuniga Were Into Roleplay

You May Also Like

Why Has ‘9-1-1’ Been Delayed Tonight?

Last week’s emotional two-part episode of the TV show 9-1-1 left fans…

John Mulaney Talks About the Investigation into Gene Hackman’s Death

John Mulaney riffed on Gene Hackman’s death investigation in his latest talk-show…

Meghan Markle stuns in a $5,000 suit at the TIME100 Summit while discussing ‘Starting Three Projects’

Meghan Markle appeared at the TIME100 Summit in a chic Ralph Lauren…

Why Dating Blake Lively Was a Challenge: Insights from Her Ex-boyfriend

Penn Badgley, the ex-boyfriend of Blake Lively, recently shared insights on how…

Gwen Stefani Talks Honestly About Her Marriage Issues and Encourages Others to be Open About Their Relationships

Gwen Stefani is offering fans a glimpse into her marriage with Blake…

Rosie O’Donnell Discusses Moving Abroad for the Well-Being of Herself and Her Non-Binary Child

Rosie O’Donnell has shared about her new life in Ireland, noting the…

Jax Taylor’s Co-Stars Doubt the Timing of his Addiction Disclosure: Is it Convenient?

Jax Taylor may have opened up about his previous cocaine addiction, but…

A ‘Brady Bunch’ Actress Shares Terrifying Experience of Almost Dying at 7 During Pilot Filming

The Brady Bunch star Susan Olsen revealed that she nearly died at…

David Thomas, the Creator of the Innovative Rock Group Pere Ubu, Passes Away at Age 71

Teddi Mellencamp Overcomes Cancer Struggle to Confront Former Employee’s Allegations of Racism

Teddi Mellencamp has finally responded to the scathing allegations leveled against her…