Sharpe's attorney sent a scathing response to rape accusations. Source: MEGA
Shannon Sharpe has fired back at his sexual assault accuser, slamming her $50 million demand as an “outrageous attempt at blackmail.”
The former football star revealed a series of explicit text messages exchanged with the woman, now identified as Gabriella Zuniga by Sharpe’s attorney.
In a 13-page lawsuit filed on Sunday, Gabriella Zuniga accused Shannon Sharpe of years of abuse and demanded $50 million for her suffering.
However, Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, called the claims “filled with lies and distortions.” Davis released explicit text messages allegedly sent by Zuniga, claiming they show a consensual, adult relationship involving sexual language, role-playing, and fantasies initiated by Zuniga herself.
Shannon Sharpe’s lawyer, Lanny Davis, released explicit text messages allegedly from Gabriella Zuniga to prove the relationship was consensual.
The messages, said to be initiated by Zuniga, included graphic requests like “I want you to put a dog collar around my neck and choke me with it while you’re f—ing me,” and “I wanna put my tongue in your a–hole and then marry u.”
One message even asked Sharpe for money: “I know u miss this big juicy a–…$25k for each cheek.” Davis claims the relationship ended after this request.
Gabriella Zuniga allegedly threatened Shannon Sharpe with a sex tape, claiming it proved the encounter wasn’t consensual.
However, Sharpe’s lawyer, Lanny Davis, argued the video was heavily edited and taken out of context.
Davis said Zuniga’s attempt to use the video as part of her blackmail scheme misrepresented the situation.
He also claimed she refused to share the full, unedited tape with Sharpe or his legal team, further suggesting it was a planned set-up.
Gabriella Zuniga’s lawsuit claims she first met Shannon Sharpe at a Los Angeles gym when she was 19, and though initially unaware of his fame, she found him “physically intimidating.” She later entered a relationship with him, which she alleges became abusive, with Sharpe displaying narcissistic traits and an uncontrollable temper.
The turning point, according to Zuniga, was when Sharpe allegedly went live on Instagram during sex with another woman—something he claimed was an accident, but Zuniga argues was deliberate to boost his career. Zuniga also accuses Sharpe of violently raping her twice in Las Vegas in October, with another incident in January.
The lawsuit arrives as Sharpe is negotiating a new deal for his highly successful Club Shay Shay podcast, valued at over $100 million. Sharpe’s podcast has gained significant popularity since its 2023 debut, boasting millions of YouTube subscribers. He also stars on ESPN’s First Take. When asked for comment, ESPN replied, “No comment.”
Tony Buzbee, who gained prominence for representing multiple women in the Deshaun Watson cases, represents Zuniga. Buzbee expressed pride in representing her and emphasized the courage it takes to challenge powerful figures.
