Jane Doe, who was 20 at the time, alleged that Sharpe, 56, forced himself on her “while she was crying” after she attempted to break things off following news that the Club Shay Shay podcast host was heard accidentally having sex with another woman on Instagram Live in September.
The civil complaint, which does not have any criminal consequences attached, is seeking $50 million. “If/when there’s a trial, the recovery, if any, will be determined by a jury, based on the evidence and the law,” the document continued. “The number can, in theory, be anything.”
Buzbee confirmed his law firm was representing Jane Doe on Instagram April 21, adding that his client alleged that she “was brutally sexually assaulted by former NFL player Shannon Sharpe on multiple occasions, the last incident occurring in January 2025.”
“The lawsuit filed under the pseudonym ‘Jane Doe’ lays out a pattern of intimidation, manipulation and abuse, including allegations that Sharpe repeatedly threatened to choke and slap Jane Doe,” he wrote. “I’m extremely proud to represent Jane Doe. It takes a great deal of courage to stand up against those with power, fame and money.”
He concluded, “I look forward to pressing this case in court.”
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