Shannon Sharpe accuses Tony Buzbee of racism while defending himself in a $50 million s*xual assault lawsuit

Shannon Sharpe, Pro Football HOF and a renowned podcaster, was accused of crimes of heinous nature by his former lover.

Shannon Sharpe accuses Tony Buzbee of racism while defending himself in a $50 million s*xual assault lawsuit

Shannon Sharpe, Tony Buzbee (Images via GQ/The Press Democrat)

Shannon Sharpe, named in a recent s*xual assault and battery lawsuit, responded on Tuesday with a public video statement. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, alleges misconduct by Sharpe involving a woman identified as “Gabby,” also known as Carly on OnlyFans.

Buzbee, known for high-profile cases, has previously been involved in legal disputes with other public figures, including a defamation claim filed by Jay-Z. He also represented around 21 clients who alleged Deshaun Watson had committed s*xual misconduct. Sharpe’s statement centered not only on denying the allegations, but also on accusing Buzbee of racial bias.

Sharpe claimed the lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of behavior by Buzbee, whom he accused of targeting Black men. He suggested that the legal action is less about justice and more about financial gain through media manipulation.

This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee, who has targeted Jay-Z. Tony Buzbee targets Black men and I believe he is going to release a 30-second clip of a s*x tape that tries to make me look guilty and plays into every stereotype you could possibly imagine.

Shannon Sharpe said in the video

The former NFL player positioned the suit as a calculated move designed to damage his reputation. The shamed podcaster was set to sign a huge deal worth over nine figures, as per Front Office Sports. The latest lawsuit has also affected the same, as well could do more damage to Sharpe as the suit drags on.

However, the nature of Sharpe’s counterargument has been criticized as well. Sharpe’s reference to Jay-Z in his statement appeared to downplay the broader context of s*xual misconduct claims.

Shannon Sharpe asked for more transparency on the leaked video

Shannon Sharpe’s video statement was released on the same day TMZ published audio allegedly featuring a conversation between him and the accuser. In the clip, a voice reported to be Sharpe’s was heard saying he intended to “choke” the woman.

However, the full context of the exchange remained unverified. According to TMZ, Buzbee had provided the audio, which the outlet noted was not the complete recording.

In his video, Sharpe alleged that Buzbee and the accuser are preparing to release edited footage from a private encounter, possibly referring to the TMZ footage. He stated the footage was being used to reinforce harmful stereotypes and manipulate public perception.

Sharpe insisted the video, described as lasting around ten minutes, was being selectively cut for maximum impact. He further claimed the accuser had invited him and that the encounter was consensual.

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 but 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 coordinated by Gabby.  

Shannon Sharpe went on to add

Sharpe concluded by announcing his intention to file a defamation suit against both Buzbee and the accuser. He framed the case as a deliberate effort to exploit his public image and inflame public opinion.

Sharpe also released graphic text messages pointing to the consensual nature of their relationships

In response, Shannon Sharpe’s legal team released a set of explicit text messages they allege were sent by the accuser, referred to as Gabby. The messages reportedly include requests for s*xual role-play and discussions involving monetary compensation for specific acts.

Shannon Sharpe
Shannon Sharpe (Image via Outkick)

One message allegedly states, “$25k for each cheek,” while another references acts involving choking and submission.

Sharpe’s attorneys argued that these messages, coupled with an allegedly edited video, support their claim that the relationship between Sharpe and the accuser was entirely consensual. They further describe the legal action as a “blatant and cynical” effort to extort money from Sharpe.

The defense maintained that the lawsuit lacks merit and intends to pursue legal remedies of their own, including a defamation countersuit.

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