Sharpe Unmasks Zuniga, Releases Explicit Texts in Lawsuit Defense
Shannon Sharpe’s legal team has taken the extraordinary step of publicly identifying his previously anonymous accuser while releasing what they claim are sexually explicit text messages she sent him. In a strongly worded statement posted to Sharpe’s social media accounts Monday, attorney Lanny J. Davis named Gabriella Zuniga as the plaintiff in the $50 million sexual assault lawsuit and characterized her claims as “a blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr. Sharpe for millions of dollars,” according to Awful Announcing.
The aggressive counter-strategy comes just one day after Sharpe was served with the 13-page lawsuit, which alleged two instances of sexual assault along with claims that Sharpe secretly recorded intimate encounters without consent. By choosing to publicly identify his accuser and share alleged communications between them, Sharpe’s team has significantly escalated what was already a high-profile case.
“It is filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations – and it will not succeed,” Davis stated in the response, which contained several alleged text messages from Zuniga that were explicitly sexual in nature.
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From Private Messages to Public Evidence
Among the messages allegedly sent by Zuniga was one from October 2023 requesting Sharpe use a “dog collar” during a sexual encounter, and another from January 2025 mentioning “$25k for each cheek” – messages his legal team is using to suggest financial motivation behind the lawsuit, according to The Shade Room.
“To set the record straight, we are releasing several of Ms. Zuniga’s own explicit text messages to Mr. Sharpe that clearly indicate the nature of their relationship was consensual and sexual in nature — and, in many cases, initiated by her with specific and graphic requests,” Davis wrote in the statement.
The legal team’s decision to release these messages represents an unusual early-stage defense strategy in a sexual assault case, where details of intimate communications are typically reserved for court proceedings rather than public disclosure. By taking this approach, Sharpe’s team appears to be fighting not just in the courtroom but also in the court of public opinion.
Competing Claims About Secret Recordings
A central point of contention involves allegations of covert recording. While Zuniga’s lawsuit claims Sharpe filmed their intimate encounters without her knowledge, Sharpe’s team has completely reversed this narrative.
“In her effort to extract a large financial settlement, Ms. Zuniga presented Mr. Sharpe with a secretly recorded video of a consensual sexual encounter,” Davis claimed. His statement alleges the recording was “heavily edited and taken entirely out of context” and “crafted to portray a consensual act as non-consensual.”
Sharpe’s team further claims that Zuniga “has refused to provide a copy of the full, unedited version of the recording” to his legal team, suggesting the unedited footage would vindicate their client. This directly contradicts Zuniga’s lawsuit, which portrays Sharpe as the one who recorded their encounters without permission.
Career Stakes Rise Amid Contract Negotiations
The lawsuit comes at a pivotal moment in Sharpe’s post-NFL career. Just last week, reports emerged that Sharpe was expecting a $100 million windfall as he pursued a new contract for his popular “Club Shay Shay” and “Nightcap” podcasts, creating significant professional stakes alongside the personal and legal challenges presented by the lawsuit.
Despite the serious allegations, Sharpe maintained his professional commitments on Monday, appearing on ESPN’s “First Take” as regularly scheduled. The network has not yet issued any public comment regarding the allegations or how they might affect Sharpe’s role.
Relationship Timeline Under Scrutiny
According to Davis’ statement, Sharpe and Zuniga’s relationship was consensual until January 2, 2025, “the day after she asked for ‘$25,000 per cheek'” in the alleged text message. This timing is particularly significant as Zuniga’s lawsuit claims instances of rape in October 2024 and January 2025 – allegations Sharpe “categorically denies.”
The lawsuit, filed by high-profile attorney Tony Buzbee, characterizes the relationship very differently, claiming Sharpe “demanded complete control over her time and body, expecting her to be at his house on his schedule, at his command, whenever he called.” Buzbee’s filing describes a “rocky consensual relationship” that allegedly led to Zuniga being raped and threatened by Sharpe.
As both sides prepare for what will likely be a lengthy and contentious legal battle, Sharpe’s statement concludes with a declaration of intent: “He stands firmly by the truth and is prepared to fight these false claims vigorously in court. He looks forward to vindication through due process and a judgment based on the facts and the law.”
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