Shannon Sharpe New Lawsuit 2026, Former ESPN Producer Michele Evans Files Sexual Assault & Defamation Claims Filed February 13
Former ESPN producer Michele Evans filed two separate lawsuits against Shannon Sharpe in New York on February 13, 2026, alleging sexual assault dating back to 2010 and defamation. The filing comes just six days after Sharpe publicly stated he wants to return to ESPN, threatening any potential reconciliation with the network.
What Are the Michele Evans Lawsuits About?
Evans filed two distinct legal actions in New York courts on February 13, 2026. One lawsuit falls under the New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act and alleges sexual assault. The second lawsuit alleges defamation stemming from the same 2010 incident.
According to court documents, Evans met Sharpe in the early 2000s while covering his Denver Broncos team as a local television reporter for ESPN. Evans claims they dated for nearly a decade before a confrontation in September 2010 over alleged cheating led to a violent encounter.
Evans alleges that after confronting Sharpe about infidelity, he forcefully assaulted her. The complaint states Sharpe engaged in non-consensual acts while proclaiming his intent to ensure no other man would want her. These allegations form the basis of the Gender-Motivated Violence Act claim.
Who Are the Parties in This Case?
Michele Evans is the plaintiff in both lawsuits. She worked as an ESPN producer covering the Denver Broncos in the early 2000s when she met Sharpe. Court documents indicate she reported on Sharpe’s team for local ESPN television and dated him for nearly a decade.
Shannon Sharpe is the defendant. The Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end currently hosts the Club Shay Shay and Nightcap podcasts. ESPN severed ties with Sharpe in July 2025 following settlement of a previous sexual assault lawsuit.
The lawsuits were filed in New York courts. A judge has already ordered the preservation of all copies of an alleged sexual recording as a precautionary measure to safeguard evidence in the case.
What Legal Claims Does Evans Assert?
The Gender-Motivated Violence Act lawsuit addresses the alleged 2010 sexual assault. New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act allows victims to bring civil claims for gender-based violent crimes including sexual assault, even when incidents occurred years ago.
The defamation lawsuit addresses statements Sharpe allegedly made about Evans following the 2010 incident. Defamation law in New York requires plaintiffs to prove defendants made false statements of fact that damaged the plaintiff’s reputation.
Evans must demonstrate Sharpe published false statements about her to third parties that harmed her professionally or personally. The burden of proof requires showing the statements were false, made with fault, and caused actual reputational damage.
What Evidence Has Been Preserved?
A New York judge issued an order to preserve all copies of a sexual recording related to the 2010 incident. Evidence preservation orders are precautionary measures courts issue to ensure potentially critical evidence is not destroyed or altered during litigation.
The preservation order suggests the recording may play a significant role in the Gender-Motivated Violence Act case. Courts typically issue such orders when there’s concern evidence could be lost, destroyed, or tampered with before trial.
Neither party has publicly disclosed the contents of the recording or how it relates to Evans’ allegations. The order applies to all parties with possession or control of the material.
How Does This Impact Sharpe’s ESPN Return?
On February 7, 2026, Sharpe told Front Office Sports at Super Bowl media week that he wants to return to ESPN. “I would love to go back if they were to call,” Sharpe said. “That is their call. But obviously, I’m more than willing, I’m more than capable.”
The timing of Evans’ lawsuits, filed just six days after Sharpe’s public statements about wanting to rejoin ESPN, may significantly impact any potential reconciliation. ESPN declined to comment to Front Office Sports regarding Sharpe’s possible return.
ESPN terminated Sharpe’s employment in July 2025 following the settlement of a previous sexual assault lawsuit filed by OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga. That case settled with confidential terms after Zuniga sought $50 million in damages.
What Legal Standards Apply to These Claims?
The New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act allows civil lawsuits for gender-based violent crimes including sexual assault. Unlike criminal cases requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases require proof by a preponderance of the evidence—meaning more likely than not.
Defamation claims in New York require proof that the defendant made false statements of fact, published them to third parties, acted with fault, and caused actual harm to the plaintiff’s reputation. If Evans is deemed a private figure, she must prove Sharpe acted negligently in making false statements.
The statute of limitations for Gender-Motivated Violence Act claims is generally two years from the date of the incident, but New York has extended lookback windows for certain sexual assault claims. Evans’ ability to bring claims from 2010 likely relies on these extended filing periods.
What Are the Potential Outcomes?
If Evans prevails on the Gender-Motivated Violence Act claim, she could recover compensatory damages for physical and emotional harm, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. New York law also allows punitive damages in cases involving particularly egregious conduct.
The defamation claim could result in damages for harm to Evans’ professional reputation, emotional distress, and lost career opportunities. If the court finds the statements were made with actual malice, punitive damages may also be available.
Settlement remains possible, particularly given Sharpe’s pattern of settling previous sexual assault and defamation lawsuits. The Zuniga case settled within months of filing, suggesting Sharpe may prefer avoiding public trials in sexual assault matters.
What Happens Next in the Legal Process?
As of February 13, 2026, both lawsuits are in their earliest stages. Sharpe will need to file responses to the complaints within the timeframe set by New York civil procedure rules, typically 20 to 30 days after service.
The discovery phase will follow, during which both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and gather witness testimony. The preserved recording will likely be a focal point of discovery in the Gender-Motivated Violence Act case.
Preliminary motions may be filed challenging the legal sufficiency of Evans’ claims or seeking to dismiss portions of the lawsuits. These motions could be heard within the first few months of the case.
Where to Find Official Court Information
Court documents for Evans’ lawsuits will be available through New York’s court electronic filing system. The New York State Unified Court System website at nycourts.gov provides public access to case information for matters filed in New York courts.
Legal news outlets including Law360, Courthouse News Service, and Above the Law provide ongoing coverage of high-profile defamation and sexual assault litigation. Front Office Sports has been covering Sharpe’s legal battles and professional status.
Monitor court dockets for upcoming hearing dates, motion filings, and case status updates. Settlement negotiations, if they occur, are typically confidential until finalized.
Should You Consult Legal Counsel?
Individuals facing similar allegations of sexual assault or defamation should consult experienced civil litigation attorneys. Sexual assault cases under the Gender-Motivated Violence Act have specific procedural requirements and evidence rules.
Defamation cases require careful evaluation of whether challenged statements constitute protected opinion or actionable false statements of fact. Media law attorneys can assess potential claims and defenses in defamation matters.
The New York State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service at nysba.org. Victims of sexual assault can also access resources through Safe Horizon at safehorizon.org or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.
FAQs
What is the Shannon Sharpe new lawsuit about?
Former ESPN producer Michele Evans filed two lawsuits against Shannon Sharpe on February 13, 2026 in New York. One alleges sexual assault under the Gender-Motivated Violence Act, while the other alleges defamation, both stemming from a 2010 incident.
Who are the parties involved in this case?
Michele Evans, a former ESPN producer who covered the Denver Broncos, is the plaintiff. Shannon Sharpe, Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end and current podcast host, is the defendant in both New York lawsuits.
What are the specific legal claims?
Evans asserts claims under the New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act for alleged sexual assault in 2010, and defamation claims for false statements Sharpe allegedly made about her following the incident.
What is the current status of the lawsuit as of February 13, 2026?
Both lawsuits were filed on February 13, 2026 in New York courts. A judge has already ordered preservation of a sexual recording related to the case. The lawsuits are in their earliest stages with no trial date set.
What legal standards apply to these claims?
The Gender-Motivated Violence Act case requires proof by a preponderance of the evidence that Sharpe committed gender-based violence. The defamation claim requires proving Sharpe made false statements of fact that damaged Evans’ reputation.
What could be the potential outcomes?
Evans could recover compensatory damages for physical harm, emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost wages if she prevails on the Gender-Motivated Violence Act claim. The defamation claim could result in damages for reputational harm and lost career opportunities.
Where can I find more information about this lawsuit?
Monitor New York court records at nycourts.gov for case filings and updates. Legal news outlets including Law360 and Front Office Sports are covering the case developments as they occur.
Last Updated: February 13, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Michele Evans lawsuits against Shannon Sharpe and does not constitute legal advice.
Need Legal Help? Sexual assault survivors can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or visit RAINN.org for confidential support and resources.
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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.
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