A high-profile legal case involving former NFL star and sports commentator Shannon Sharpe has come to a close. On Friday (July 18), prominent attorney Tony Buzbee announced via Instagram that the woman who accused Sharpe of rape has reached a settlement and will dismiss her $50 million lawsuit.
In his statement, Buzbee did not disclose the terms of the agreement but confirmed that both parties had resolved the matter privately. “All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice,” Buzbee wrote, meaning the case cannot be refiled in the future.
The woman, identified in court documents only as Jane Doe, alleged that Sharpe sexually assaulted her multiple times between late 2024 and early 2025 during what she described as a yearslong relationship. She claimed the two began dating in 2023 after Sharpe approached her at a gym. The lawsuit, filed in a Texas court, sought $50 million in damages and detailed allegations of manipulation, emotional abuse, and sexual violence over the course of their relationship.
Sharpe has publicly denied the allegations and briefly addressed the lawsuit in a video shared to Instagram. “I know my family and fans know exactly what this is about,” he said. “And I'm going to be out there telling you whatever I need to say, just like I always do. I love all you guys. Thanks.” Sharpe, who has not been criminally charged in connection to the allegations, continues to appear regularly on his podcast Nightcap and as a sports analyst across major platforms.
While the settlement puts an end to the civil case, it remains a highly controversial chapter in the media personality’s career. Legal experts note that dismissing a lawsuit with prejudice typically signals a final resolution, though it does not necessarily imply an admission of guilt.
Source: TMZ
