Shannon Sharpe, former NFL star and ESPN commentator, is facing a $50 million civil lawsuit filed by Gabriella Zuniga, who accuses him of multiple instances of sexual assault and abusive behavior during their relationship from 2023 to 2025. Gabbi Zuniga has been identified as an OnlyFans model known on Instagram as sheiskarli.
The lawsuit, filed in Nevada state court, alleges that Sharpe engaged in controlling and violent behavior, including threatening to kill Zuniga, physically assaulting her, and raping her on two occasions in October 2024 and January 2025. Zuniga claims their relationship began consensually after meeting at a Los Angeles gym but later turned abusive. She also alleges that Sharpe recorded their sexual encounters without her consent and manipulated her emotionally.
An audio recording released by Zuniga’s legal team purportedly captures Sharpe threatening to choke her, with Sharpe’s voice saying, “If you say that word one more time, I’m gonna choke the sh– out of you when I see you.” The female voice responds, “I don’t wanna be choked,” to which the male voice replies, “Yes, you do. I don’t think you have a choice in the matter.” Sharpe’s legal team contends this was part of consensual role-playing within their sexual relationship.
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, characterized the lawsuit as a “blatant cynical attempt to shake down” Sharpe for millions of dollars and described the allegations as “filled with lies and misrepresentations.” To support Sharpe’s defense, Davis released explicit text messages allegedly sent by Zuniga, including messages requesting sexual acts and role-playing scenarios. One message reads, “I want you to put a collar around my neck and choke me with it while you’re f—ing me,” and another states, “Put a big black baby in me.” Davis argues these texts demonstrate the consensual and sexual nature of their relationship.
Sharpe has denied all allegations and vowed to file a defamation lawsuit against Zuniga and her attorney, Tony Buzbee, accusing them of targeting him unfairly. Sharpe also suggested that Buzbee might release a sex tape to damage his reputation but challenged Buzbee to release the full video instead of an edited version.
Despite the serious allegations, Sharpe has continued his appearances on ESPN’s “First Take” and his podcast “Nightcap,” a decision that has sparked debate among viewers and critics.
About The Author
