LOS ANGELES – Shannon Sharpe, the Hall of Fame NFL tight end turned podcasting heavyweight, is facing serious allegations in a new civil lawsuit filed in Nevada state court.
A woman identified only as Jane Doe has accused Sharpe of multiple counts of sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress — seeking $50 million in damages.
Sharpe, 56, currently hosts two popular shows, “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap,” and has become a major figure in the sports media world since retiring from football. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, alleges that Sharpe’s misconduct escalated over the course of a nearly two-year relationship that began in 2023, when Doe was 19.
What the lawsuit alleges against Shannon Sharpe
The backstory:
According to the complaint, the relationship began after the two met at a gym. Although described as “rocky but consensual” at the outset, the lawsuit claims Sharpe began recording their sexual encounters and allegedly shared the footage without her knowledge or consent.
The suit also references Sharpe’s public Instagram Live incident, in which he was heard having sex with a different woman. Sharpe initially claimed he was hacked, but later took responsibility and apologized on his “Nightcap” podcast.
By October 2024, Doe claims she had cut off communication with Sharpe — but alleges that he pursued her relentlessly, culminating in two alleged instances of violent sexual assault in Las Vegas. A third incident allegedly occurred in January 2025, involving unprotected sex despite her pleas for him to stop.
What Sharpe’s team is saying
The other side:
Representatives for Sharpe have not issued a public response to the lawsuit. Variety and ProFootballTalk both reported that requests for comment went unanswered.
In the court filings, Sharpe’s legal team has not yet formally responded to the allegations. However, the defense may argue that the interactions were consensual and dispute claims of non-consensual video sharing or coercion.
Why this matters in the sports and media world
Big picture view:
Sharpe is not just a former athlete — he’s a prominent media figure with major podcasting contracts. “Club Shay Shay” frequently tops charts and features celebrity guests, while “Nightcap” has grown in popularity since launching in 2023.
Just last week, reports emerged that Sharpe was in talks for a new podcasting deal worth $100 million. The timing of this lawsuit — coupled with his high public profile — has already triggered scrutiny across social media and within sports media circles.
What’s next:
Sharpe has not been criminally charged. This lawsuit is a civil action, and its progression through Nevada courts will depend on how both sides respond in the coming weeks. If Sharpe or his representatives issue a statement or file a motion to dismiss, that could shape the legal and public trajectory of the case.
The Source: This report is based on information from Variety, Club Variety, and ProFootballTalk, which obtained and reviewed the civil complaint filed in Nevada state court. The lawsuit was filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, known for representing plaintiffs in multiple high-profile sexual misconduct cases. No formal response has been filed by Sharpe or his legal team as of this publication.
