Shannon Sharpe’s $50 million rape lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice
Shannon Sharpe was accused of sexual assault and battery in a $50 million civil complaint, but it has apparently been dismissed with prejudice.
Tony Buzbee, the lawyer for the lady who is accusing Shannon Sharpe of rape, made the announcement on Friday, July 18, stating that a settlement has been reached between the parties in the civil case. Sharpe and his accuser came to a “mutually agreed upon resolution” “after protracted and respectful negotiations,” the attorney said in a statement posted on his Instagram page.
“The Buzbee Law Firm filed a complaint in Nevada on April 20, 2025, alleging multiple things against Shannon Sharpe on behalf of our client,” the document says. Both parties recognize a long-standing, amicable, yet turbulent relationship. Following lengthy and civil discussions, I’m happy to report that we have come to a mutually acceptable conclusion. Now that every issue has been resolved to a satisfactory degree, the case is concluded. If this is the case, it will be dismissed with prejudice.
When a lawsuit is dismissed with prejudice, it indicates that the plaintiff cannot resubmit the same claim in the same or any other court and that the matter is permanently closed. This is a final ruling that stops the case from going back to court.
In April of last year, a woman who was only identified as Jane Doe filed a lawsuit against Sharpe, claiming the former NFL player had sexually attacked her multiple times between the end of 2024 and the start of 2025. She described the relationship as abusive for years before the alleged attack.
An audio tape that Buzbee made public shortly after the lawsuit was filed shows a man who sounds like Sharpe threatening to “f***ing choke the s*** out” his accuser. Sharpe refused to back down, calling the woman’s accusations “a shakedown” and announcing his intention to file a defamation lawsuit.
In reaction to the charges, the ESPN presenter stated, “I know my family and fans know exactly what this is about,” according to TMZ. Furthermore, as I always do, I will be out there telling you whatever I need to say. You are all very loved. Many thanks.
In April, Sharpe took a leave of absence from his ESPN responsibilities to await the outcome of the case. With this deal, it’s unclear if the former football player will resume hosting First Take with Stephen A. Smith.
