Pro Football Hall of Famer and sports media personality Shannon Sharpe has been accused of raping a woman he had been in a consensual sexual relationship with in a lawsuit filed Sunday night in Clark County, Nev.
The woman, identified in the lawsuit as a Jane Doe, is seeking $50 million in damages for claims of assault, sexual assault, battery, sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress after three alleged non-consensual sexual encounters in Las Vegas (twice in October, once in January).
“The lawsuit filed under the pseudonym ‘Jane Doe’ lays out a pattern of intimidation, manipulation, and abuse, including allegations that Sharpe repeatedly threatened to choke and slap Jane Doe,” attorney Tony Buzbee said in a statement emailed to The Times on Monday.
Sharpe responded to the accusations Monday by posting a statement from his attorney, Lanny J. Davis, on social media.
“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 reads. “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.”
According to the lawsuit, Sharpe and his accuser met while working out at a Los Angeles gym in 2023, when he was 54 and she was 20, after which he “incessantly pursued” her for a couple...
Pro Football Hall of Famer and sports media personality Shannon Sharpe has been accused of raping a woman he had been in a consensual sexual relationship with in a lawsuit filed Sunday night in Cl...