Shannon Sharpe, the former NFL star and television personality, has found himself at the center of a heated controversy. In April 2025, a 20-year-old OnlyFans model accused him of sexual assault, leading to a public spectacle and legal battle. While Sharpe firmly denied the accusations and insisted the relationship was consensual, an audio clip emerged that painted a starkly different picture.
The clip, shared by the model's lawyer, Tony Buzbee, allegedly captures Sharpe making threatening remarks. As TMZ reported, a voice, purportedly Sharpe's, can be heard saying, "If you say that word one more time, I’m going to f–king choke the s–t out of you when I see you…" The young woman responds, "I don’t want to be choked…" to which the man replies, "Yes, you do…I don’t think you have a choice in the matter."
“A woman can say ‘yes’ to consensual sexual relations with a man ninety-nine times, but when she says ‘no’ even once, that ‘no’ means no…”
The ramifications of this scandal were swift and severe. The model sued Sharpe for an eye-watering $50 million, a case that eventually settled for $20 million by July 2025. The lawsuit detailed the alleged manipulation and coercion by Sharpe, emphasizing the importance of respecting the word "no."
As the case unfolded, Sharpe's career took a significant hit. ESPN decided to part ways with him, a move that shocked many sports fans. Known for his outspoken and vibrant presence on ESPN's First Take, Sharpe's departure marked the end of an era for the broadcaster.
Throughout the ordeal, Shannon Sharpe and his legal team have vigorously defended his reputation. They have consistently claimed that he was "trapped" and that the relationship was consensual from the start. Despite these assertions, the public and media scrutiny have been relentless, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the scandal.
This high-profile case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding consent and personal relationships, especially when public personalities are involved. As the dust settles, the repercussions for Sharpe both professionally and personally continue to unfold.