Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit Settled, $50M Sexual Assault Case Resolved, ESPN Cuts Ties After Settlement
Yes, Shannon Sharpe settled his $50 million sexual assault lawsuit in July 2025. Attorney Tony Buzbee announced July 18 the case was “resolved” and dismissed with prejudice after “protracted and respectful negotiations.” Settlement terms remain confidential. ESPN cut ties with Sharpe on July 30, 2025, days after the settlement. He continues hosting his podcasts Club Shay Shay and Nightcap.
What the Lawsuit Alleged
Gabriella Zuniga (initially filed as Jane Doe) sued Shannon Sharpe on April 20, 2025 in Clark County, Nevada. The $50 million lawsuit alleged:
- Sexual assault
- Battery
- Sexual battery
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
According to the complaint, Zuniga met Sharpe at a Los Angeles gym in 2023 when she was 20 years old. A nearly two-year relationship followed.
The lawsuit claimed Sharpe raped Zuniga twice in Las Vegas in October 2024 and once more in January 2025.
Settlement Announcement July 18, 2025
Tony Buzbee (who also represented women suing Deshaun Watson) announced the settlement on X (formerly Twitter):
“Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice.”
Dismissed with prejudice means the case cannot be refiled.
Settlement Terms: Confidential
The exact settlement amount was not disclosed. Settlement agreements typically contain confidentiality clauses preventing parties from revealing financial terms.
What we know:
- Zuniga originally sought $50 million
- Sharpe previously offered $10 million in February 2025 during mediation, which Zuniga rejected
- Final settlement amount is unknown
- Both sides agreed to mutual resolution
ESPN Cuts Ties After Settlement
Twelve days after the settlement, ESPN parted ways with Sharpe on July 30, 2025.
Timeline:
- April 24, 2025: Sharpe steps away from ESPN, vows to return by NFL preseason
- July 18, 2025: Lawsuit settled
- July 30, 2025: ESPN announces they’ve cut ties with Sharpe
ESPN declined to comment publicly. Sources told Deadline it’s unclear who initiated the separation.
Sharpe’s Response
Sharpe addressed his ESPN departure on his Nightcap podcast July 30:
“I really enjoyed my time at ESPN. It gave me an opportunity to bring my audience that saw me really just grow.”
He said he learned of ESPN’s decision earlier that week and was “at peace” with it.
Sharpe apologized to his brother Sterling Sharpe, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that week, saying the timing distracted from Sterling’s honor.
“He said, ‘Bro, stop apologizing. You don’t have to apologize. I’m your big bro. I’m going to love you regardless. We all make mistakes.'”
What Sharpe Said When Lawsuit Was Filed
In April 2025, Sharpe posted an Instagram video calling the lawsuit “a shakedown” and claiming attorney Tony Buzbee “targets Black men.”
“The relationship in question was 100% consensual,” Sharpe said at the time.
His lawyer David Chesnoff revealed Sharpe offered $10 million during February 2025 mediation, saying “in my opinion this is a classic definition of blackmail.”
Chesnoff released explicit text messages allegedly sent by Zuniga to illustrate what he called “a consensual, adult relationship.”
The February 2025 Mediation
Before the lawsuit was filed, both sides attempted to resolve the matter through mediation.
What happened:
- Zuniga’s attorney contacted Sharpe in early February 2025
- Mediation lasted more than six weeks
- Sharpe made “an incredibly significant offer” (later revealed as $10 million)
- Zuniga rejected the offer
- Lawsuit filed April 20, 2025
Second Lawsuit: Defamation Case Also Settled
Sharpe faced a second lawsuit in 2025—a $20 million defamation suit filed by Jimalita Tillman in U.S. District Court in Illinois.
What happened: Tillman alleged Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson made “false and defamatory” statements on their Nightcap podcast about her interaction with singer Usher at a concert.
They claimed Tillman’s husband was filing for divorce after she was fed cherries by Usher in a viral moment. Tillman said she wasn’t married at the time and is not married now.
Settlement: The case was dismissed with prejudice August 9, 2025. Terms were not disclosed.
Tillman said in a statement: “I am pleased with the outcome. We were able to put this matter behind us without a long-drawn-out court matter.”
Sharpe’s Current Status
No longer with ESPN Sharpe’s ESPN contract was multi-year, signed in 2024, but the network ended the relationship after the settlement.
Still hosting podcasts
- Club Shay Shay (with The Volume network)
- Nightcap (with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson)
Both podcasts continued airing throughout his legal issues. Sharpe’s media career now focuses exclusively on his podcast platforms.
Previous Sexual Assault Allegation (2010)
This wasn’t Sharpe’s first time taking leave for sexual assault allegations. In 2010, while working at CBS NFL, Sharpe briefly stepped away to address accusations. Details of that case were never made public.
Legal Implications
Dismissed With Prejudice This legal term means:
- Case is permanently closed
- Cannot be refiled in the same court
- Indicates settlement was reached
- Both parties agreed to dismiss claims
Confidential Settlement Most high-profile settlement agreements include:
- Non-disclosure clauses
- Prohibitions on discussing terms
- Mutual releases of claims
- Agreements not to disparage
Impact on Sharpe’s Career
Lost ESPN Position Sharpe was a regular on First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith. He joined ESPN in 2023 after leaving FS1’s Undisputed with Skip Bayless.
Podcast Success Continues Club Shay Shay remains one of the most popular sports podcasts, featuring celebrity interviews and NFL analysis.
Sharpe’s podcast deal with The Volume network reportedly expired in 2025, with speculation about a new $100+ million contract elsewhere.
Public Image The lawsuits and settlements damaged Sharpe’s reputation, though he maintains a loyal podcast audience.
Timeline of Events
2023: Zuniga and Sharpe meet at LA gym, relationship begins
October 2024: First alleged assault occurs in Las Vegas
January 2025: Second alleged assault occurs
February 2025: Mediation occurs, Sharpe offers $10 million, rejected
April 20, 2025: Zuniga files $50 million lawsuit in Nevada
April 22, 2025: Sharpe posts video calling lawsuit “a shakedown”
April 24, 2025: Sharpe steps away from ESPN
July 18, 2025: Settlement reached, lawsuit dismissed with prejudice
July 30, 2025: ESPN announces they’ve cut ties with Sharpe
August 9, 2025: Tillman defamation case also settled
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Shannon Sharpe pay to settle?
The settlement amount is confidential. Zuniga sought $50 million. Sharpe previously offered $10 million during mediation. The final amount is unknown.
Is Shannon Sharpe still with ESPN?
No. ESPN cut ties with Sharpe on July 30, 2025, twelve days after the lawsuit settled.
Will Shannon Sharpe return to TV?
Unknown. He currently focuses on his podcasts Club Shay Shay and Nightcap. No TV network has announced plans to hire him.
What did Shannon Sharpe admit to?
Sharpe admitted to having a “long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship” with Zuniga. He maintains all interactions were consensual.
Can the lawsuit be refiled?
No. “Dismissed with prejudice” means it’s permanently closed and cannot be refiled in the same court.
Did Chad Johnson also get sued?
Yes, separately. Johnson was co-defendant in the Tillman defamation case, which also settled in August 2025.
What is Shannon Sharpe’s net worth?
Estimated around $14-16 million. He earned millions during his 14-year NFL career and through broadcasting deals.
Who is Tony Buzbee?
The attorney who represented Zuniga. He previously represented 24 women who sued NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson and dozens of women suing Sean “Diddy” Combs.
For updates on Shannon Sharpe’s career and legal matters, follow his podcasts:
- Club Shay Shay
- Nightcap (with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson)
This article provides general information about the Shannon Sharpe lawsuit settlement and should not be considered legal advice.
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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