Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, noted for seeking a massive podcast deal last week, now finds himself embroiled in an eight-figure lawsuit. A woman, identified under the pseudonym "Jane Doe," filed a 13-page civil suit on Sunday in a Nevada state court.
The lawsuit accuses Sharpe of assault, sexual assault, battery, and infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiff alleges they were in a "rocky consensual relationship" lasting nearly two years. Moreover, it claims Sharpe secretly recorded their intimate moments and shared these without consent.
The complaint suggests an incident where Sharpe allegedly livestreamed an intimate encounter, albeit with another woman, on Instagram. This purportedly marked a turning point for the plaintiff, starting her withdrawal from Sharpe.
The complaint further states Sharpe pursued the plaintiff despite her attempts to distance herself. A confrontation in October 2024 allegedly led to a non-consensual incident. Another incident reported in January 2025 describes Sharpe ignoring the plaintiff's refusals during an encounter.
Key excerpts from the complaint emphasize the concept of consent, stating, "A woman can say 'yes' to consensual sexual relations with a man ninety-nine times, but when she says 'no' even once, that 'no' means no." Sharpe is accused of manipulating the plaintiff, decades his junior, and violating her boundaries.
The lawsuit seeks a minimum of $50 million. If the case proceeds to trial, a jury will determine the outcome based on evidence and legal principles. Sharpe retains the right to contest these allegations with available defenses.
The plaintiff's legal representation includes Micah Nash and Tony Buzbee, known for previously representing multiple accusers of quarterback Deshaun Watson in high-profile cases.
This civil case, not criminal in nature, adds a complex chapter to Sharpe's off-field pursuits.
