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Shannon Sharpe, the former NFL star and current podcaster, faces serious accusations in a $50 million lawsuit. The suit alleges a pattern of controlling behavior, deceit, abuse, and non-consensual filming, culminating in two alleged instances of rape. The plaintiff, identified as ‘Jane Doe,’ claims these incidents occurred in Las Vegas.
Details of the Allegations Against Shannon Sharpe
According to the lawsuit, Sharpe exhibited a disturbing pattern of behavior throughout their relationship:
- Verbal abuse and controlling actions.
- Forcibly grabbing her neck when angered.
- Threats of violence, including stating he would “kill her.”
- Attempts to exert dominance and control over her life.
Livestream Scandal and Subsequent Violence
The lawsuit states that Sharpe’s behavior allegedly escalated after a controversial Instagram livestream, where he inadvertently broadcast a sexual encounter with another woman. This incident reportedly triggered a period of increased aggression and violence towards Doe.
Sharpe’s Response and Legal Position
Sharpe has refuted the allegations, suggesting the lawsuit is financially motivated. However, his legal counsel has acknowledged that the 56-year-old previously offered a settlement of at least $10 million to resolve the case.
Police Investigation
The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has stated that Sharpe is not currently under investigation.
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Relationship Origins and Alleged Controlling Behavior
The lawsuit describes the beginning of their relationship:
- The pair met at a Los Angeles gym in 2023 when Doe was 20 years old.
- Sharpe allegedly made deliberate attempts to ensure she was aware of his attention.
- He purportedly suggested he would pay for cosmetic surgery if she won a weight-loss bet.
- Doe states she “gave in” and agreed to date Sharpe.
Accusations of Secret Recording and Controlling Demands
Doe alleges a series of unsettling sexual encounters and controlling demands, including a request to sign a non-disclosure agreement, which she refused. She also suspects Sharpe secretly recorded them during intimate moments.
First Encounter Details
Doe described the initial sexual encounter:
“… without warning, Sharpe placed his hands on Plaintiff’s neck from behind, pressed his erect penis against her body, and said his first words of the night: ‘I knew from the first time I saw you that I was going to f*** you.'”
- Doe also alleged that Sharpe was using his phone to record her during oral sex.
- She claimed they met at his residence approximately four times weekly, despite his treatment of her.
- Sharpe allegedly demanded complete control over her schedule and body, expecting her presence at his home on his terms.
- Verbal abuse and degradation were reportedly commonplace from the start of the relationship.
Threats of Violence
Doe recounted an incident involving a firearm and threats:
“One time specifically, he was yelling at her while there a was a firearm visible in his room. Terrified for her safety, Plaintiff tried sharing her location with friends from her iPhone—just in case. But Sharpe saw her doing this. The moment he realized what she was doing, he grabbed her by the neck and told her ‘If you ever do that again, I will f***ing kill you.'”
Alleged Rape Incidents
Doe claims Sharpe became enraged when she attempted to distance herself after the Instagram livestream incident.
First Alleged Rape
On October 6, 2024, Doe recalls being accosted at a Nevada gym:
- Sharpe aggressively approached her, visibly furious.
- He demanded she sit down, threatening to kill her.
- Doe refused, citing his infidelity.
- Sharpe responded dismissively, asserting she had “no choice.”
Details of the Alleged Assault
Sharpe allegedly coerced her into his car and drove to her apartment, where he demanded they go to the bedroom.
“She said no. He didn’t listen, nor did he care. Once inside the bedroom, Sharpe grabbed her from behind and forcibly positioned her to perform oral sex. He held her in place and then forced her to begin performing. He became even angrier and said, ‘You’ve disrespected me so much. I’m going to punish this a**hole. I’m going to make it so no man will want you again.'”
The lawsuit further alleges that Sharpe anally raped her as she cried.
“Look at this,” Doe claimed Sharpe told her. “Look at my arm. I’ve got chills. That’s how good this is.”
Second Alleged Rape
Months later, Sharpe purportedly arrived at her apartment with a Christmas-birthday gift, leading to another sexual encounter.
Details of the Second Alleged Assault
When he allegedly refused to use a condom, she claims he became violent again.
“Plaintiff never stopped demanding and begging that he stop or put on a condom. Sharpe ignored her.”
“As soon as he penetrated her, Plaintiff screamed and sobbed. Her cries for help did nothing to stop Sharpe.”
“The assault lasted roughly 10 minutes, ending only when Sharpe ejaculated inside her. Plaintiff cried and begged repeatedly for him to stop. Plaintiff left Nevada after the assault.”
Additional Allegations of Threats and Audio Recordings
Sharpe allegedly threatened to choke Doe on more than one occasion. A second recorded phone call, purportedly between Sharpe and Doe, was released by Doe’s attorney.
Details of the Recorded Conversation
The date of the recording is unknown, and the context remains unclear.
“I’m not really interested in getting choked,” the woman is heard saying.
“I may choke you in public,” a male voice, believed to be Sharpe’s, said.
“It’s not a good look, Shannon,” the woman responded.
“Not a good look that you did what the s*** you did to me,” the man’s voice is heard saying.
Sharpe’s attorney previously confirmed the authenticity of another recording where Sharpe is heard saying, “I’m gonna f***ing choke the s*** out of you when I see you,” but claimed it was spoken “in the heat of the moment” and not intended as a genuine threat.