This is interesting. NFL Hall of Famer and sports commentator Shannon Sharpe is under public scrutiny as he faces a $50 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault. As the legal battle unfolds, figures from Sharpe’s past, including his former stylist, Russell “Hollywood” Simpson, are weighing in with cryptic remarks that have fueled further speculation.
Simpson, a celebrity stylist who has worked with numerous NFL and NBA players, took to Instagram Stories to post an image of Sharpe posing with several Black women, accompanied by the caption: “See when I was around you never heard a single word! I had everything so organized.”
The song choice for the post, “Ran Out” by JT, raised eyebrows, leading to speculation about whether Simpson was implying he had helped manage Sharpe’s image during their time working together. Now everyone is talking about this situation that could work against the NFL Hall Of Famer.
Sharpe’s explanation for their split
Sharpe previously spoke about Simpson on his Nightcap podcast, explaining why he decided to part ways with him and return to his longtime stylist, Shelly Davis. “Hollywood, he was gay. Okay, that’s his life. That’s not mine. Hollywood no longer styles me. Why? Because I’m loyal to Shelly [Davis]. She was hurt that, after 20-plus years of being my stylist, I had gone outside to hire someone else.”
Sharpe went on to claim that much of Simpson’s work involved reassembling outfits that had already been curated by Davis, emphasizing his loyalty to his longtime stylist. Sharpe’s lawsuit, filed by Gabriella Zuniga, includes allegations of rape, sexual assault, battery, and emotional distress. Zuniga claims the two had a relationship beginning in 2023, when she was 19 years old.
Sharpe’s legal team has denied all allegations, dismissing the lawsuit as a “shakedown attempt” and releasing alleged text messages that they claim demonstrate a consensual relationship between the two. Meanwhile, Zuniga’s attorneys have countered with audio recordings they allege capture Sharpe making aggressive and threatening remarks.
Sharpe has temporarily stepped away from ESPN, where he co-hosts First Take with Stephen A. Smith, as he focuses on his legal defense. While he has continued posting on social media, he has yet to formally address the lawsuit beyond his legal team’s responses.
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