Shannon Sharpe, a former pro footballer who is now the host of the popular “Club Shay Shay” podcast, has been sued for $50 million over the alleged sexual assault of a young woman. In a statement through his attorney, Sharpe categorically denied the allegations.According to a lawsuit filed by a Jane Doe on Sunday in Nevada state court, 56-year-old Sharpe met the plaintiff at the gym in 2023, when she was 19, and they began a “rocky consensual relationship that lasted nearly two years.” The civil complaint was filed by Tony Buzbee, who is currently representing over 150 alleged victims of Sean “Diddy” Combs.By late 2024, the lawsuit claims that Sharpe would insist on recording their sexual activity and would allegedly share the videos with others without Doe’s consent or knowledge. This was around the time that Sharpe sparked controversy when he went on Instagram Live while having sexual intercourse with another woman, though only the audio could be heard. Sharpe initially said his account was hacked, but eventually took accountability for the video and apologized on his “Nightcap” podcast.In October, the lawsuit alleges that Sharpe “violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff twodifferent times in Las Vegas, Nev., blatantly ignoring her requests for him to stop.” Doe also alleges that a similar event occurred in January, at which point she left Nevada. She is now seeking compensatory and punitive damages of $50 million.Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, said in a statement that the lawsuit is a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars. It is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations — and it will not succeed.”“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,” the statement continues. “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.”Primarily playing for the Denver Broncos, Sharpe is regarded as one of the best tight ends in pro football and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. After retiring, Sharpe entered broadcasting and worked as an analyst for CBS Sports and Fox Sports before starting his podcast “Club Shay Shay” in 2020. In 2023, he launched the podcast “Nightcap,” which he hosts with fellow former NFL player Chad Ochocinco Johnson and former NBA player Gilbert Arenas. Just last week, it was reported that Sharpe was eyeing a new podcasting contract worth $100 million after his current deal ends.Best of VarietyNew Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What’s Coming to Disney+ in April 2025The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony HopkinsSign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
