Shannon Sharpe has released several raunchy text messages supposedly sent to him by the woman who’s suing him for rape.
Monday brought on a bombshell news story first reported by TMZ in which it was revealed that the former NFL tight end was being taken to task over multiple rape allegations to the tune of $50,000.
The woman in question claimed that Sharpe forced himself on her at least twice after she tried breaking things off with him in the wake of his infamous Instagram sex video. She filed the lawsuit in Nevada on Sunday under the name Jane Doe but has since been identified as Gabriella Zuniga by Sharpe’s attorney.
The ESPN personality was on ‘First Take’ on Monday morning, as per usual, and has responded to the claims, which he categorically denies.
“Mr. Sharpe categorically denies all allegations of coercion or misconduct – especially the gross lie of “rape” — and will not submit to what he sees as an egregious attempt at blackmail,” attorney Lanny J. Davis wrote in a statement. Sharpe also shared a photo of his lawyer’s statement to Instagram.
Shannon Sharpe Releases Text Messages He Received From His Accuser
Text messages sent to Sharpe by the complainant have also been disclosed and can be seen below:
“I want you to put a dog collar around my neck and choke me with it while you’re f**king me.”
– Gabriella Zuniga in a text message to Shannon Sharpe, October 7, 2023
“I know u miss this big juicy a**…$25k for each cheek.”
– Gabriella Zuniga in a text message to Shannon Sharpe, January 1, 2025
It’s worth noting that the second one came after the first alleged rape incident, which Zuniga claims happened last October.
Screenshots of texts shared by Sharpe’s legal team, including some showing his accuser asking for money, are below:
“He stands firmly by the truth and is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court,” the Hall of Famer’s attorney adds. “He looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.”
ESPN has yet to address the matter.
