Shannon Sharpe is pushing back hard against a $50 million sexual assault and rape lawsuit filed by Gabriella Zuniga. Through his attorney, Sharpe has denied all claims, calling the suit a blatant attempt to extort money.

“This lawsuit is a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars,” said Sharpe’s lawyer, claiming the allegations are filled with “lies, distortions, and misrepresentations.”

Zuniga and her attorney Tony Buzbee allege that Sharpe was verbally and physically abusive during two incidents in October 2024 and January 2025. They also submitted a secretly recorded video as evidence, which Sharpe’s legal team argues is “heavily edited” and taken out of context. According to them, Zuniga has refused to release the full, unedited footage.

Bruh https://t.co/lGret1uBhr pic.twitter.com/3ShmsjksRA

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) April 21, 2025

In response, Sharpe and his team have released a series of alleged text messages from Zuniga that appear to show her initiating and participating in consensual sexual exchanges. The messages, which contain explicit content, are being used to argue that the relationship was consensual and included role-playing and fantasy scenarios initiated by Zuniga.

Sharpe’s lawyer insists the tape and lawsuit are part of a calculated attempt at blackmail. “Mr. Sharpe stands firmly by the truth and is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court,” his legal team stated.

As of now, no trial date has been set.