Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit $50 Million Sexual Assault Case By Gabriella Zuniga Update, Settlement Details, Legal Claims
Former NFL star Shannon Sharpe faced two major lawsuits in 2025—a $50 million sexual assault case filed in Nevada and a $20 million defamation suit in Illinois. Both cases settled confidentially, with the sexual assault lawsuit resolved in July 2025 and the defamation case dismissed in August 2025. These legal proceedings cost Sharpe his ESPN position and thrust the Hall of Fame tight end into intense public scrutiny.
What Is the Shannon Sharpe Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
Gabriella Zuniga filed a $50 million lawsuit against Sharpe in April 2025 in Clark County, Nevada, using the pseudonym Jane Doe initially. The complaint alleged sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress stemming from a relationship that began in 2023.
The lawsuit claimed Sharpe committed assault, sexual assault, battery, and sexual battery, and engaged in intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to court documents, Zuniga was 20 years old when she met Sharpe at a Los Angeles gym in 2023, and a nearly two-year relationship followed.
The Legal Claims in Detail
The Nevada lawsuit included specific allegations:
- Sexual assault and battery
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Recording sexual encounters without consent
- Threatening behavior and coercion
Zuniga’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, alleged that Sharpe “demanded complete control” over Zuniga’s time and body. The lawsuit described the relationship as abusive and controlling.
Sharpe’s Defense
Sharpe called the allegations “false and disruptive” when the lawsuit was filed in April. He released a video denying the accusations and characterizing the lawsuit as a “shakedown.”
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, revealed that Sharpe offered Zuniga “at least $10 million” to settle the case before she filed it. Davis stated that mediation conversations had occurred but halted within the preceding month.
Settlement and Resolution
The lawsuit was settled on July 18, 2025, with attorney Tony Buzbee announcing that “all matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed”. The case was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled.
Buzbee stated that “both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship” and that the resolution came “after protracted and respectful negotiations”.
Settlement Amount
The exact financial terms remain confidential. A rumor circulated claiming a $23 million settlement, but this figure was unsubstantiated and originated from social media speculation. The actual settlement amount has not been publicly disclosed, though no admission of guilt was part of the resolution.
Shannon Sharpe Defamation Lawsuit by Jimalita Tillman
Chicago woman Jimalita Tillman filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against Sharpe, Chad Johnson, and their podcast team on April 24, 2025. The suit stemmed from an April 12 podcast episode where Tillman was allegedly mischaracterized.
What Happened at the Usher Concert?
On April 2, 2025, Tillman attended an Usher concert in London where a viral TikTok video captured her sharing a playful moment with Usher as he dangled cherries over her mouth. The interaction sparked online speculation.
Following this event, Sharpe and Johnson allegedly made and disseminated false statements on their “Nightcap” podcast suggesting Tillman was married and that her husband was filing for divorce due to her participation in the concert moment.
Tillman’s Claims
Tillman maintained she was neither married nor in a relationship at the time. She stated she attempted to have the content removed by sending emails and letters to the media company prior to filing her lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleged:
- False and defamatory statements about her marital status
- Damage to her reputation as global director for the Harold Washington Cultural Center
- Emotional distress
- Adverse impact on personal and professional relationships
Defamation Case Resolution
The federal court dismissed the defamation lawsuit in August 2025. Tillman issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
“We were able to put this matter behind us without a long-drawn-out court matter,” Tillman said. “We look forward to future discussions about the positive contributions Mr. Sharpe and I both make to the community”.
Brett Favre Defamation Lawsuit Against Shannon Sharpe
Brett Favre filed a defamation lawsuit against Sharpe in February 2023 over comments made on Fox Sports talk show “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed”. The lawsuit concerned Sharpe’s criticism of Favre’s connection to a Mississippi welfare misspending case.
What Sharpe Said About Favre
Sharpe made three statements Favre objected to: calling someone who would steal from the poorest people a “sorry mofo,” stating Favre was “taking from the underserved” in Mississippi, and saying Favre “stole money from people that really needed that money”.
Court Rulings
U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett dismissed the lawsuit in October 2023, ruling that Sharpe was using “rhetorical hyperbole” and constitutionally protected speech.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal in September 2024, with Judge Leslie H. Southwick writing that Sharpe’s statements were “strongly stated opinions based on truthful established facts”.
Impact on Shannon Sharpe’s Career
ESPN Departure
Sharpe stepped aside from ESPN in April 2025 after the sexual assault lawsuit was filed, and ESPN formally released him in July 2025 after the settlement.
Sharpe addressed his ESPN departure on his “Nightcap” podcast, stating he found out earlier in the week and was “at peace” with the decision. He expressed regret about the timing, as it coincided with his brother Sterling Sharpe’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
Continued Podcast Work
Despite the ESPN departure, Sharpe continues hosting his popular podcasts “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap” with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. These platforms remain his primary media presence.
Who Are the Key Parties Involved?
Shannon Sharpe: Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end who played 14 NFL seasons, primarily with the Denver Broncos. Three-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time Pro Bowl selection. Current podcaster and former ESPN analyst.
Gabriella Zuniga: OnlyFans creator who filed the Nevada sexual assault lawsuit. She announced her retirement from OnlyFans in July 2025, one day after settling the lawsuit with Sharpe.
Jimalita Tillman: Global director for the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago who filed the defamation lawsuit after the Usher concert incident.
Tony Buzbee: Houston-based attorney who represented Zuniga in the sexual assault case. Known for handling high-profile cases.
Lanny Davis: Attorney who represented Sharpe in the sexual assault lawsuit.
Legal Framework and Jurisdiction
Nevada Sexual Assault Case
The sexual assault lawsuit was filed in Clark County, Nevada, under Nevada state law. Civil claims for sexual assault in Nevada can include:
- Compensatory damages for physical and emotional harm
- Punitive damages designed to punish wrongful conduct
- Claims that can proceed independently of criminal charges
Nevada law allows plaintiffs to file civil lawsuits for sexual assault even when criminal charges are not pursued. The standard of proof in civil cases is “preponderance of the evidence,” which is lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard in criminal cases.
Illinois Defamation Case
The Tillman defamation case was initially filed in Cook County Circuit Court before moving to federal court in Illinois. Defamation claims require proving:
- A false statement was made
- The statement was published to third parties
- The defendant acted with fault
- The statement caused reputational harm
Public figures face a higher burden, needing to prove “actual malice”—that defendants knew the statement was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
Mississippi Defamation Case
The Favre defamation lawsuit was filed in Mississippi state court before being removed to federal court. The case centered on First Amendment protections for opinion and rhetorical hyperbole versus actionable defamatory statements of fact.
What Dismissal “With Prejudice” Means
Both settled cases were dismissed “with prejudice,” a critical legal term. This means:
- The lawsuit cannot be refiled in the same court
- The claims are permanently resolved
- The plaintiff has relinquished the right to pursue the same claims again
- This typically indicates a settlement agreement was reached
Dismissal with prejudice provides finality and closure for both parties, distinguishing it from dismissal “without prejudice,” which allows a plaintiff to refile the case.
How These Cases Compare to Other Celebrity Lawsuits
High-profile sexual assault and defamation lawsuits often follow similar patterns:
Confidential Settlements: Most celebrity civil cases settle out of court with undisclosed terms, as both the Zuniga and Tillman cases did. This allows both parties to avoid prolonged public litigation.
Dismissal With Prejudice: Settlement agreements typically include dismissal with prejudice to prevent future litigation on the same claims.
No Admission of Liability: Settlements frequently include clauses stating that settling does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.
Career Impact: High-profile lawsuits often result in employment consequences, as seen with Sharpe’s ESPN departure, even when cases settle favorably.
Timeline of Shannon Sharpe Lawsuits
February 2023: Brett Favre files defamation lawsuit against Sharpe
October 2023: Federal judge dismisses Favre lawsuit
April 2, 2025: Tillman’s viral Usher concert moment occurs
April 12, 2025: Sharpe and Johnson discuss Tillman on “Nightcap” podcast
April 21, 2025: Zuniga files $50 million sexual assault lawsuit in Nevada
April 24, 2025: Tillman files $20 million defamation lawsuit; Sharpe steps aside from ESPN
July 18, 2025: Zuniga sexual assault lawsuit settles and is dismissed with prejudice
July 30, 2025: ESPN confirms Sharpe will not return to the network
August 7, 2025: Tillman defamation lawsuit dismissed with prejudice
September 16, 2024: 5th Circuit Court of Appeals affirms dismissal of Favre lawsuit
What This Means for US Audiences
These cases demonstrate several important legal principles:
Settlement Is Common: Most civil lawsuits settle before trial. The public often sees only the filing and resolution, not the extensive negotiations between those points.
Different Standards Apply: Civil cases have lower proof standards than criminal cases. Plaintiffs can win civil judgments even when criminal charges are never filed or result in acquittal.
First Amendment Protections: The Favre case illustrates strong First Amendment protections for opinion and commentary, even when statements are harsh or critical.
Reputation Management: For public figures, legal settlements often become part of managing public image and career trajectory, as evidenced by Sharpe’s ESPN departure.
Confidentiality Is Standard: Settlement terms typically remain confidential, preventing the public from knowing exact financial terms or specific agreement conditions.
Recent Developments and Current Status
All three major lawsuits involving Shannon Sharpe have been resolved as of late 2025:
- The Nevada sexual assault case settled in July 2025
- The Illinois defamation case was dismissed in August 2025
- The Mississippi defamation appeal was denied in September 2024
Sharpe continues his podcast work with “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap,” though he is no longer affiliated with ESPN. The legal matters are closed, with all cases dismissed with prejudice.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shannon Sharpe Lawsuits
What was Shannon Sharpe sued for?
Sharpe faced three major lawsuits: a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit filed by Gabriella Zuniga in Nevada, a $20 million defamation lawsuit filed by Jimalita Tillman in Illinois, and a defamation lawsuit filed by Brett Favre in Mississippi. The Zuniga case alleged sexual assault and battery during their relationship. The Tillman case claimed Sharpe made false statements about her marital status on his podcast. The Favre case concerned Sharpe’s commentary about Favre’s connection to a Mississippi welfare scandal.
How much did Shannon Sharpe settle for?
The exact settlement amounts remain confidential for both the Zuniga sexual assault case and the Tillman defamation case. Zuniga originally sought $50 million and Tillman sought $20 million, but neither final settlement amount has been disclosed. Rumors about specific figures are unverified. The Favre case was dismissed by courts and did not result in a settlement.
Is Shannon Sharpe still at ESPN?
No. ESPN and Shannon Sharpe parted ways in July 2025 following the settlement of the sexual assault lawsuit. Sharpe stepped aside from ESPN in April 2025 when the lawsuit was filed, and the network decided not to bring him back after the settlement was reached. He continues hosting his podcasts “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap.”
What does dismissed with prejudice mean?
When a lawsuit is dismissed “with prejudice,” it means the case is permanently closed and cannot be refiled in the same court. This typically indicates a settlement was reached where the plaintiff agreed to dismiss their claims in exchange for some form of resolution. Both the Zuniga and Tillman cases were dismissed with prejudice.
Who is Gabriella Zuniga?
Gabriella Zuniga is an OnlyFans creator who filed the $50 million sexual assault lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe in April 2025. She initially used the pseudonym “Jane Doe” in court documents. According to the lawsuit, she met Sharpe at a Los Angeles gym in 2023 when she was 20 years old. She announced her retirement from OnlyFans in July 2025, one day after settling the lawsuit.
What happened with the Jimalita Tillman lawsuit?
Jimalita Tillman sued Sharpe, Chad Johnson, and Shay Shay Media for $20 million after they allegedly made false statements on their “Nightcap” podcast claiming she was married and getting divorced following a viral Usher concert moment. Tillman maintained she was single at the time. The federal court dismissed the case with prejudice in August 2025, and Tillman issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
Did Shannon Sharpe admit guilt in any lawsuits?
No. Settlement agreements typically include no admission of wrongdoing, and none of Sharpe’s settled cases included an admission of guilt. The Favre defamation lawsuit was dismissed by courts based on First Amendment protections, not through settlement. Sharpe consistently denied the allegations in the Zuniga case and characterized the claims as false.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Shannon Sharpe lawsuits based on publicly available court records and news reports. It is not legal advice. Settlement terms remain confidential, and exact financial details have not been publicly disclosed. Information is current as of December 2025.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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