Shannon Sharpe Denies Rape Allegations, Claims Accuser Engaged in Blackmail

NFL Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Shannon Sharpe has categorically denied rape and sexual assault allegations made against him in a recently filed $50 million civil lawsuit in Nevada. Through his attorney, Lanny J. Davis, Sharpe claims the lawsuit is a blackmail attempt, asserting that the accuser, identified as Gabriella Zuniga, secretly recorded and heavily edited video of their encounter to falsely portray consensual activity as non-consensual. Sharpe's legal team also released explicit text messages they argue demonstrate a consensual relationship involving sexual language and fantasy scenarios requested by Zuniga. The lawsuit alleges additional misconduct, including threats and unauthorized recordings, which Sharpe and his lawyer vehemently deny, stating he will fight the claims vigorously in court. No trial date has been set, and the accuser’s legal team has not yet issued a response.