Shannon Sharpe is facing mounting legal trouble. After settling a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit with the 20-year-old OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga in July 2025, Sharpe is now entangled in a new case brought by another ex-girlfriend, Michele Evans. A judge has ordered the preservation of a sex tape involving Zuniga—evidence that may play a role in Evans’ separate assault allegations against him.
Zuniga Lawsuit Background
In April 2025, Gabriella Zuniga filed a $50 million lawsuit in Nevada accusing Sharpe of sexual assault, battery, and emotional abuse during their two-year relationship, which began when she was 19. She also alleged Sharpe secretly recorded sex acts without her consent.
Sharpe’s legal team denied the claims, calling them a “blatant shakedown.” He countered with text messages and accused Zuniga’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, of extortion. Sharpe also argued that a 10-minute sex tape—of which Buzbee allegedly planned to leak a 30-second clip—proved the relationship was consensual.
The two settled in July 2025, and Zuniga later retired from OnlyFans. The details of the settlement remain confidential.
New Accusations from Michele Evans
Just as the Zuniga saga ended, Michele Evans came forward with her own lawsuit, accusing Sharpe of sexual assault. In a twist, her legal team pushed for a judge to order preservation of the Zuniga sex tape, arguing it could serve as evidence in her case. The order was granted on July 23, 2025, tying the two cases together and drawing fresh scrutiny.
Sharpe’s representatives have denied Evans’ claims as “ridiculous and without merit.” Although Evans was denied a protective order, the legal proceedings are ongoing.
Legal & Career Consequences
Sharpe’s reputation is under siege.
While the Zuniga settlement resolved one case, Evans’ ongoing lawsuit—and the preserved sex tape—means this story is far from over. His legal team insists both cases are meritless and driven by financial motives. Still, the court’s decision suggests that crucial evidence could surface and deepen the crisis.
Timeline of Events
To be continued..
Zuniga Lawsuit Background
In April 2025, Gabriella Zuniga filed a $50 million lawsuit in Nevada accusing Sharpe of sexual assault, battery, and emotional abuse during their two-year relationship, which began when she was 19. She also alleged Sharpe secretly recorded sex acts without her consent.
Sharpe’s legal team denied the claims, calling them a “blatant shakedown.” He countered with text messages and accused Zuniga’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, of extortion. Sharpe also argued that a 10-minute sex tape—of which Buzbee allegedly planned to leak a 30-second clip—proved the relationship was consensual.
The two settled in July 2025, and Zuniga later retired from OnlyFans. The details of the settlement remain confidential.
New Accusations from Michele Evans
Just as the Zuniga saga ended, Michele Evans came forward with her own lawsuit, accusing Sharpe of sexual assault. In a twist, her legal team pushed for a judge to order preservation of the Zuniga sex tape, arguing it could serve as evidence in her case. The order was granted on July 23, 2025, tying the two cases together and drawing fresh scrutiny.
Sharpe’s representatives have denied Evans’ claims as “ridiculous and without merit.” Although Evans was denied a protective order, the legal proceedings are ongoing.
Legal & Career Consequences
Sharpe’s reputation is under siege.
While the Zuniga settlement resolved one case, Evans’ ongoing lawsuit—and the preserved sex tape—means this story is far from over. His legal team insists both cases are meritless and driven by financial motives. Still, the court’s decision suggests that crucial evidence could surface and deepen the crisis.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 2023 | Sharpe begins relationship with Gabriella Zuniga, then 19 years old. |
| April 2025 | Zuniga files $50 million lawsuit against Sharpe for sexual assault. |
| April 2025 | Sharpe denies allegations, calls it extortion, and releases private texts. |
| April 2025 | Michele Evans files separate sexual assault lawsuit against Sharpe. |
| July 2025 | Sharpe and Zuniga settle; lawsuit dismissed. |
| July 2025 | Zuniga announces retirement from OnlyFans. |
| July 23, 2025 | Judge orders Sharpe to preserve sex tape for Evans’ lawsuit. |
To be continued..
