Shannon Sharpe Faces $50 Million Civil Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault and Abuse
Las Vegas, NV – Shannon Sharpe, Hall of Fame NFL tight end, former co-host of FS1’s Undisputed, and ESPN commentator, is facing serious allegations as a $50 million civil lawsuit has been filed against him in Nevada state court. The plaintiff, identified as Gabriella “Gabbi” Zuniga, also known by her online alias “@sheiskarli” on Instagram and OnlyFans, claims that Sharpe subjected her to repeated sexual assault, physical violence, and emotional abuse during their relationship, which allegedly spanned from 2023 to early 2025.
The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, paints a disturbing portrait of a relationship that Zuniga asserts began consensually after the two met at a gym in Los Angeles. According to court documents, the initial stages of their involvement were marked by charm and affection from Sharpe, but over time, she claims, his demeanor turned dark, controlling, and increasingly violent.
Zuniga’s legal filing accuses Sharpe of raping her on two separate occasions, in October 2024 and again in January 2025, as well as threatening her life. The complaint alleges that Sharpe physically assaulted her on multiple occasions, leaving her with both visible injuries and deep psychological trauma. Zuniga further claims that Sharpe exerted emotional manipulation throughout the relationship, isolating her from friends and family, and using his influence and resources to intimidate her into silence.
One of the most disturbing accusations within the filing is that Sharpe recorded their sexual encounters without her consent, an alleged violation of both her privacy and Nevada’s consent laws regarding the use of recording devices in intimate settings.
In addition to the sexual assault and battery claims, Zuniga is seeking compensatory and punitive damages totaling $50 million, citing not only physical and emotional distress, but also loss of income, defamation, and long-term damage to her reputation and mental health. Her attorneys argue that the trauma she experienced has had a significant impact on her personal life, professional relationships, and online brand.
Sharpe, who rose to national prominence for his Hall of Fame NFL career with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens, later became one of sports media’s most recognizable voices. He has not yet publicly responded to the allegations, nor has his legal team issued a formal statement regarding the lawsuit.
The filing is already stirring widespread attention in both the sports and entertainment worlds, given Sharpe’s high-profile media presence and outspoken personality on platforms such as ESPN and his own podcast Club Shay Shay. Many are watching closely for comment from ESPN, where Sharpe currently appears as a guest analyst and contributor.
The nature of these allegations—and their timing amid increasing scrutiny around power dynamics and abuse in celebrity relationships—has renewed conversation around accountability in the sports and media industries. Advocates for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse are calling for due diligence, transparency, and support for Zuniga, as her case makes its way through the legal system.
Zuniga, who has built a significant following online through platforms like OnlyFans and Instagram, has expressed through her legal counsel that her decision to come forward was made “not only in pursuit of justice, but in the hope that others who feel powerless in abusive relationships may find strength in her voice.”
At present, no criminal charges have been filed, but legal experts suggest that depending on the outcome of the civil case and any new evidence that may emerge, criminal proceedings could still be initiated. The civil lawsuit is expected to proceed through preliminary hearings in the coming months.
As this is an ongoing legal matter, further developments will continue to unfold. Both the public and media outlets are awaiting official responses from Sharpe, his legal team, and ESPN in the days to come.