Ex-NFL player and sports analyst Shannon Sharpe has denied recent sexual assault allegations, calling the lawsuit against him a “shakedown” attempt aimed at taking advantage of his fame and fortune.

The Club Shay Shay podcast host denied the allegations. In an Instagram video posted shortly after the lawsuit was made public on Monday, he reiterated his stance, stating, “This is a shakedown on him and his family, plain and simple.” 

He added that he would not be silenced or bullied, noting that he would fight to clear his name, asserting that the relationship was consensual and involved role-playing.

The lawsuit, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee representing the woman identified as “Jane Doe” claimed that Sharpe’s aggressive threats, domineering attitude, and disregard for her refusal to have sex resulted in traumatising attacks. 

Furthermore, according to the complaint, Sharpe threatened to “choke her” from an audio message released by the attorney and distributed private videos without her permission.

In response, Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny Davis, released a statement which Sharpe also posted on his official X account including supposed text messages such as “I want you to put a dog collar around my neck and choke me with it while you’re fucking me” and “$25k for each cheek,” suggesting a consensual and sexual relationship. Davis also dismissed the language in an audio clip released by Buzbee, where a man allegedly threatened to choke the woman, as non-literal and part of consensual role-play.

On Tuesday, April 22, Sharpe revealed that he suggested a $10 million settlement for the accuser, but the offer was declined during negotiations that took place over the past month or so.

Despite the controversy, Sharpe remained vocal, calling the lawsuit a setup and accusing the accuser’s lawyer, Tony Buzbee, of targeting Black men and attempting to manipulate the media.

American TV personality Stephen A. Smith reacted to the situation with his colleague and described Sharpe’s decision to release sexually explicit text messages from his accuser as “uncomfortable,” questioning whether it was a wise legal strategy. On The Stephen A. Smith Show, he said it’s often best to let legal teams handle such matters quietly and assured the innocence of Sharpe.

The legal proceedings continue, with both sides sharing conflicting evidence and statements.