Shannon Sharpe Responds to $50M Lawsuit, Accuses Attorney Tony Buzbee of Orchestrating “Shakedown” [Video]

Shannon Sharpe is publicly addressing the $50 million lawsuit filed against him, calling the case a “shakedown” and making it clear he plans to fight back.

In a video shared Tuesday on his Instagram, the Club Shay Shay host directly responded to the lawsuit, which was filed by a woman identified in court as Jane Doe. She accuses Sharpe of sexual assault and battery during a relationship she claims became abusive.

“This is a shakedown,” Sharpe said. “I’m going to be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right.”

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Sharpe accused the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, of targeting Black men and attempting to manipulate the media by selectively editing evidence. “Tony Buzbee targets Black men,” he said. “I believe he’s going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and play into every stereotype you could possibly imagine.”

Sharpe continued, saying the full context of the video should be seen, not an edited portion. “That video should actually be 10 minutes or so,” he said. “Hey Tony, instead of releasing your edit, put the whole video out. I don’t have it or I would myself.”

He also claimed the encounter in question was consensual and initiated by the accuser, whom he identified as Gabriella Zuniga, who also uses the name “Carly” on OnlyFans. “Gabby and Tony Buzbee want $50 million,” he said. “What they’re getting is sued for defamation.”

Sharpe emphasized his intention to be transparent with the public. “My career is all about real talk and honesty,” he said. “I know my family and fans know exactly what this is about, and I’m going to be out there telling you whatever I need to say — just like I always do.”

Sharpe’s response came just hours after Buzbee released audio that the accuser claims features Sharpe making aggressive threats during an argument. In the undated recording, a man alleged to be Sharpe can be heard saying, “If you say that word one more time, I will f–king choke the s–t out of you when I see you.” The audio’s authenticity has not been confirmed and that its full context is unclear.

Buzbee defended his client, stating that the content of the audio was “disturbing, aggressive, and dangerous.” He also alleged Sharpe previously attempted to resolve the matter privately before the suit was filed, a claim Sharpe has not addressed directly.