$50 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit Slams Shannon Sharpe as NFL Legend Faces Crisis.
NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe, 56, is facing a $50 million civil lawsuit over sexual assault allegations, shaking his career and public image.
On April 21, 2025, Gabriella Zuniga, a model and content creator best known for her work on OnlyFans, filed a $50 million civil lawsuit against Sharpe in Clark County, Nevada. Identifying initially as “Jane Doe,” Zuniga accuses Sharpe of rape, sexual assault, battery, and the intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to court documents, the pair’s relationship began in 2023 when Zuniga was 19 years old. She claims Sharpe engaged in non-consensual sexual acts, secretly recorded explicit videos without her consent, and subjected her to repeated emotional abuse and threats throughout their time together.
Gabriella Zuniga (@sheiskarli Instagram)
Shannon Sharpe has categorically denied the allegations. Through his attorneys, he described the lawsuit as a “shakedown attempt,” and released a series of text messages that, he argues, illustrate a consensual relationship.
In response, Zuniga’s legal team, led by prominent attorney Tony Buzbee, released audio recordings they allege capture Sharpe making aggressive and threatening remarks.
The scandal surrounding Sharpe deepened further when Michele Bundy Evans, a former girlfriend, came forward with renewed accusations. Evans claims that during their decade-long relationship, which ended in 2010, Sharpe repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct and issued threats.
Although Evans sought an order of protection at the time, her request was denied. Legal proceedings connected to her claims remain active.
In the wake of mounting public scrutiny, Sharpe announced that he would temporarily step away from his duties at ESPN’s First Take. In a brief statement, he said he would use the time to “focus on his family and address these serious allegations.”
Sources close to the network suggest Sharpe hopes to return before the 2025 NFL season kicks off, though his future at the network remains uncertain.
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