Shannon Sharpe breaks silence on ‘shakedown’ rape allegations in new video

Shannon Sharpe breaks silence on ‘shakedown’ rape allegations in new video

Shannon Sharpe on Tuesday addressed the rape allegations made against him, calling the $50 million civil lawsuit filed by a woman under the pseudonym Jane Doe “a shakedown” and declaring he would sue for defamation.

“I’m gonna be open, transparent and defend myself because this isn’t right. This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee, who has targeted Jay-Z,” the 56-year-old Pro Football Hall of Famer said in an Instagram video, referring to Doe’s lawyer.

Shannon Sharpe during an Instagram video on April 22, 2025.
Shannon Sharpe during an Instagram video on April 22, 2025. Instagram/Shannon Sharpe

“Tony Buzbee targets black men, and I believe he’s going to release a 30-second clip of a Sєx tape that tries to make me look guilty, and plays into every stereotype you could possibly imagine. That video should actually be 10 minutes or so.

“Hey Tony, instead of releasing your edit, put the whole video out. I don’t have it, or I would myself. You know what happened and you’re trying to manipulate the media. The encounter in question took place during the day at her invitation, and now that appears to be a deliberate setup.”

Earlier Tuesday, Buzbee released audio of an alleged conversation between Sharpe and Doe in which Sharpe appears to say, “I’m going to f–king choke the s–t out of you.”

Sharpe denied the accusations Monday through his lawyer, Lanny J. Davis, who named the accuser and released a series of explicit texts allegedly sent by Doe which Davis argues are indicative of a consensual relationship that included “role-playing” and “fantasy.”

Shannon Sharpe on ESPN's
Shannon Sharpe on ESPN’s “First Take” on April 22, 2025. YouTube/ESPN

“I want you to put a dog collar around my neck and choke me with it while you’re f–king me,” Doe is accused of saying in a text to Sharpe in October 2023.

Sharpe remains on ESPN’s airwaves, having appeared on “First Take” on Tuesday.

Related Posts

Brock Purdy contract twist revealed after 49ers QB signed mᴀssive 5million deal

Brock Purdy contract twist revealed after 49ers QB signed mᴀssive $265million deal

Brock Purdy’s mᴀssive new contract includes control over his future, it has been revealed. The 49ers quarterback agreed to a five-year $265million extension with the franchise over…

Early indications give one Browns quarterback a leg up for starting job

Early indications give one Browns quarterback a leg up for starting job

The quarterback question will be a big one for the Browns as they enter the 2025 season with a plethora of options at the position.  But one…

Aaron Rodgers insider reveals why he’s delaying Steelers decision as NFL limbo continues

Aaron Rodgers insider reveals why he’s delaying Steelers decision as NFL limbo continues

Aaron Rodgers is waiting for his ‘personal issues’ to be resolved before signing with the Steelers, an insider believes. Rodgers, who has admitted to meeting with Steelers…

Russell Wilson feeling ‘part of New York now’ as he takes in Knicks playoffs, Subway Series

Russell Wilson feeling ‘part of New York now’ as he takes in Knicks playoffs, Subway Series

Russell Wilson truly has been a man about town since signing on as QB1 with the Giants, including several appearances on Celebrity Row at the Garden during…

An Aaron Rodgers-Steelers resolution could be coming soon

An Aaron Rodgers-Steelers resolution could be coming soon

Aaron Rodgers could finally be joining the Steelers soon, ending the speculation over what the future Hall of Famer’s future holds for him after the Jets moved…

Travis Kelce poses with fans who bought stunning Taylor Swift merch at Patrick Mahomes’ charity event

Travis Kelce poses with fans who bought stunning Taylor Swift merch at Patrick Mahomes’ charity event

Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce posed with the fans who bought the acoustic guitar signed by his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, which was donated for Patrick Mahomes’…