Shannon Sharpe is firing back publicly and forcefully after being hit with a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit. In a video posted to his social media accounts, the NFL Hall of Famer and ESPN personality passionately denied all allegations against him, calling the lawsuit a “shakedown” orchestrated by attorney Tony Buzbee, a high-profile lawyer Sharpe claims has a history of targeting Black men.
“To my family, friends, supporters, and colleagues, I want to speak to you directly and from the heart. This is a shakedown. I’m gonna be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right. This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee, who has targeted Jay-Z.”
“Tony Buzbee targets Black men, and I believe he’s going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and play into every stereotype you could possibly imagine. That video should actually be 10 minutes or so.”
“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.”
“The encounter in question took place during the day, at her invitation, and now that appears to be a deliberate setup, coordinated by Gabby—also known as Carly on OnlyFans. Gabby and Tony Buzbee want 50 million dollars. 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. Thanks.”
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) April 22, 2025
Sharpe went on to allege that Buzbee and the plaintiff whom he identified as an OnlyFans creator using the alias “Gabby” or “Carly” are attempting to extort him for $50 million. He claims the encounter in question was consensual, took place during the day at her invitation, and that the two had been engaged in an adult relationship that ended last year.
The former Denver Broncos tight end said he’s prepared to fight back legally and intends to sue both the accuser and Buzbee for defamation. This legal clash has quickly become one of the most high-profile civil disputes in the sports world.
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, a longtime political figure, has echoed his client’s defiance, holding a press conference to announce that Sharpe would be pursuing countersuits. Davis also released a set of sexually explicit text messages allegedly sent by the woman to Sharpe before the lawsuit was filed, arguing that they reflect a consensual relationship and discredit the allegations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/p:DIuOfL8PLK1
Buzbee responded publicly as well, stating that the texts were from “prior to the alleged brutal assault,” and accused Sharpe and Davis of “doxing” his client by revealing her identity and private messages to the public.
As both legal teams spar in public and in court, ESPN has remained silent on the matter. Sharpe appeared on First Take on both Monday and Tuesday but made no mention of the case during the broadcasts. He is reportedly off-air until Friday.
This remains a rapidly developing story with legal, personal, and professional implications that could shape Sharpe’s public legacy depending on how the evidence and the courts rule. For now, he’s standing firm.
