Shannon Sharpe on Tuesday addressed the release of an audio recording released by his accuser that depicts Sharpe in a threatening light.
In a video statement posted to his social media accounts, Sharpe described the latest audio release as part of a “shakedown.” He accused Tony Buzbee, the accuser’s lawyer, of targeting Black men, and said the released audio was out of context and part of a 10-minute clip.
Sharpe also repeated the accusation that his accuser, identified by his legal team as Gabriella Zuniga, is coordinating a smear campaign, and indicated that he plans to sue both Zuniga and Buzbee for defamation.
“To my family, friends, supporters, and colleagues, I want to speak to you directly and from the heart,” Sharpe said. This is a shakedown. I’m going to be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right. This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee, who has targeted Jay-Z. Tony Buzbee targets Black men and I believe he’s going to release a 30 second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and plays into every stereotype you can possibly imagine. That video should actually be 10 minutes or so.
“Hey Tony, instead of releasing your edit, put the whole video out. I don’t have it or I would myself. You know what happened and you’re trying to manipulate the media. The encounter in question took place during the day at her invitation, and now that appears to be a deliberate setup coordinated by Gabby, also known as Carly on OnlyFans. Gabby and Tony Buzbee want $50 million. What they’re getting is sued for defamation and trying to take me down.
“My career is all about real talk and honesty. I know my family and fans know exactly what this is about, and I’m going to be out there telling you whatever I need to say, just like I always do. I love all of you guys.”
Sharpe was responding to audio released by Buzbee on behalf of Zuniga, in which Sharpe is heard threatening to choke Zuniga. The audio is only a portion of a longer phone call.
Sharpe has accused Zuniga and Buzbee of orchestrating a shakedown since the initial $50 million lawsuit was filed against him. He released a number of explicit text messages Zuniga allegedly sent to Sharpe in an effort to prove his argument that the relationship was entirely consensual.
Buzbee is also known as the lawyer who represented many of Deshaun Watson’s accusers, which is why Sharpe is accusing him of “targeting Black men” with his legal work. Buzbee is also facing a lawsuit from Jay-Z after representing a Jane Doe who accused Jay-Z of sexually assaulting her when she was 13. The lawsuit against Jay-Z has since been withdrawn.
The 56-year-old Sharpe remains a mainstay on ESPN’s “First Take,” and he appeared on the program normally on Tuesday without addressing any of the allegations on the air. He is also the host of the popular “Club Shay Shay” podcast, which is rumored to be landing him a $100 million deal.
