Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson are facing a $20 million lawsuit from Jimalita Tillman, who claims the duo falsely portrayed her as a married woman during a viral moment at a Usher concert.
Tillman says she was selected for a fan interaction during Usher’s Las Vegas residency on April 2nd.
“I participated in a fan engagement moment at a Usher Raymond concert where I interacted with the artist as a selected audience member,” she explained in court documents. A clip of the interaction spread quickly online due to its suggestive nature.
But according to Tillman, Sharpe and Johnson went on their show “Nightcap” and claimed she was married, and that her husband was seeking a divorce because of the performance.
“Following this event, the defendants made and disseminated false and defamatory statements suggesting that I was married and that my husband was filing for divorce… I am not married, nor am I currently going through a divorce,” she stated.
Tillman emphasized, “The defendants’ false narratives were shared widely across their platforms… despite my clear and public refutation.” She said the statements harmed her character and her role as global director of the Harold Washington Cultural Center.
Despite efforts to contact the show, Tillman said, “These requests were disregarded.” She added, “The ongoing misinformation has resulted in emotional distress… and adversely affected her personal and professional relationships.”
“We’ve been in communication with the legal team of Shay Shay Media… They’re looking to resolve this matter quickly,” Tillman told The U.S. Sun.
