Shannon Sharpe’s NFL Draft appearance sparks outrage amid sexual assault lawsuit

Shannon Sharpe, the NFL Hall of Famer turned ESPN personality, is facing intensifying public scrutiny after a disturbing alleged audio recording surfaced in connection to a $50 million rape lawsuit. The audio, which was first reported by the New York Post, reportedly features Sharpe making threatening and explicit statements toward his unnamed accuser—claims he has forcefully denied.

NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe was seen leaving his Atlanta residence with assistant Shelly Davis on Wednesday, en route to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for a special NFL Draft podcast appearance with Chad Ochocinco. The public outing comes amid serious legal trouble, as Sharpe faces a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit filed in Nevada by a woman identified as Jane Doe. She alleges a volatile relationship with Sharpe that began in 2023 and turned abusive by mid-2024. The lawsuit details disturbing incidents, with their last reported contact occurring in January.

In the newly leaked recording, Shannon Sharpe allegedly tells the woman, “If you say that word one more time, I’m going to f–king choke the s–t out of you when I see you.” The accuser responds with, “I don’t want to be choked,” to which Sharpe allegedly replies, “Yes, you do. I don’t think you have a choice in the matter.” Prior to this, the conversation captures the woman pleading, “Don’t manipulate me,” after expressing concern over being dismissed.
The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in court documents, has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Sharpe, alleging sexual assault. The controversial recording, although not yet officially verified, has already added fuel to an escalating media firestorm.


Shannon Sharpe broke his silence shortly after the audio surfaced. In a passionate video posted to social media, he declared, “To my family, friends, supporters and colleagues: I want to speak to you directly and from the heart. This is a shakedown. I’m gonna be open, transparent and defend myself because this isn’t right.”
He also alleged that the lawsuit is part of a targeted campaign orchestrated by attorney Tony Buzbee, whom Sharpe claims has “targeted Jay-Z” and frequently “targets black men.” Sharpe said the incident in question occurred during the day and at the accuser’s invitation, suggesting that the encounter “was a deliberate setup.”
Sharpe further challenged Buzbee to release the full footage of an alleged sex tape, saying, “Hey, Tony, instead of releasing your edit, put the whole video out. I don’t have it, or I would myself.”
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While Shannon Sharpe remains adamant about his innocence, public opinion is sharply divided. With a career built on bold opinions and real talk, Shannon Sharpe now finds himself fighting to protect both his reputation and his legacy—under the harsh glare of media, legal challenges, and a rapidly forming narrative that could define his public image for years to come.