Shannon Sharpe is no stranger to the spotlight. The Hall of Fame tight end turned media personality has ridden the wave of viral fame in recent months, most notably after his explosive sit-down with comedian Katt Williams. But the headlines have taken a much darker turn.
Gabriella Zuniga, a former girlfriend of Sharpe’s, has filed a civil suit accusing him of sexual assault and threatening her life following a now-infamous Instagram Live clip that she says revealed his infidelity. The accidental leak – which Sharpe insists was unintended – has since snowballed into serious legal trouble.
According to court documents filed in Nevada, Zuniga alleges that after she tried cutting ties with Sharpe, he cornered her at a public gym on October 6, 2024. “She saw him coming toward her, fast and furious,” the suit reads. “He told her to sit down or he’d kill her.”
Zuniga claims that when she refused to speak with him, Sharpe forced her into his car, drove her home, and raped her. The suit includes graphic allegations that he used threats and humiliation to control and abuse her.
“You don’t have a choice”: Zuniga details alleged confrontation with sharpe
The confrontation didn’t end at the gym. Once at her apartment, Zuniga says Sharpe’s behavior turned violent and calculated. She claims he forced her to perform oral sex, then raped her while verbally degrading her. The complaint paints a picture of fear and domination.
Sharpe has denied all allegations, both through legal representation and on social media, stating, “The claims made against me are completely false.” His lawyer has emphasized that Sharpe intends to fight the accusations in court.
In the wake of the lawsuit, ESPN has reportedly begun internal discussions about Sharpe’s role with the network. Stephen A. Smith, his First Take co-host, briefly addressed the controversy, calling it “serious and under review.”
Though no criminal charges have been filed at this time, the civil case could reshape the trajectory of Sharpe’s post-NFL career. The case also reignites ongoing conversations about athlete accountability and how media institutions handle accusations involving their talent.
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