Shannon Sharpe was sued in a $50 million civil lawsuit by a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting and raping her during a tumultuous, nearly two-year relationship that began in 2023. The woman, who was 19 years old when they met at a gym, alleged multiple acts of violent sexual assault including incidents in October 2024 and January 2025. The lawsuit outlined claims of manipulation, control, threats, and abuse. Sharpe denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a "shakedown" and saying the relationship was consensual. The lawsuit was settled in July 2025, with the case dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. Following the settlement, ESPN parted ways with Sharpe, and he will no longer return to the network.
Additionally, Sharpe was involved in a separate $20 million defamation lawsuit along with Chad Ochocinco, which accused them of spreading false statements; this suit was also settled and dismissed in August 2025.
