Attorney Confirms Resolution, Lawsuit Dismissed with Prejudice

July 19, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA - NFL star and sports media personality Shannon Sharpe has reached a settlement in a high-profile $50 million lawsuit filed against him in April 2025, which accused him of rape and sexual assault. The agreement, announced on Friday, July 18, 2025, by the accuser’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, confirms that both parties acknowledge a “long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship,” effectively closing the case. The lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice, meaning the claims cannot be refiled in the same court.

The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, filed the civil lawsuit in Clark County, Nevada, alleging that Sharpe, 56, raped her in October 2024 and January 2025 during a nearly two-year relationship that began in 2023 when she was 19. The complaint accused Sharpe of assault, battery, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, claiming he recorded sexual encounters without her consent and shared them with others. Sharpe’s legal team, led by attorney Lanny Davis, consistently denied the allegations, labeling the lawsuit a “shakedown” and asserting that the relationship was consensual, involving explicit role-playing and sexual communication initiated by the accuser.

In a statement posted on X, Buzbee confirmed the resolution, stating, “After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed.” Sharpe’s legal team corroborated the statement, noting it as the “final word” on the matter, with no further comment from Sharpe himself. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, though earlier reports indicated Sharpe had offered $10 million before the lawsuit was filed, which the accuser rejected.

The settlement has sparked varied reactions online. Posts on X reflect a mix of sentiments, with some users, like @Glock_Topickz, noting the acknowledgment of a consensual relationship as a vindication for Sharpe, while others, such as @Ci2You, suggested the settlement implied guilt. The case gained additional attention due to Sharpe’s public profile as a Pro Football Hall of Famer and host of the popular “Club Shay Shay” podcast, as well as a September 2024 Instagram Live incident where he accidentally broadcast audio of a sexual encounter, later apologizing for the mishap.

Following the lawsuit’s filing, Sharpe announced a temporary step back from his ESPN duties on “First Take,” stating he would focus on his family and addressing the allegations. He expressed plans to return for the 2025 NFL preseason. ESPN declined to comment on the settlement or Sharpe’s potential return.

The resolution marks the end of a contentious legal battle that raised questions about consent, privacy, and the use of public platforms in personal disputes. While the settlement avoids a prolonged court fight, it leaves open broader discussions about accountability and the complexities of high-profile relationships.