Shannon Sharpe Leaves ESPN: Meet Gabrielle Zuniga, the 'Jane Doe' Behind the Lawsuit

A legal firestorm has engulfed NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe, who is no longer with ESPN following the settlement of a high-profile lawsuit brought by 20-year-old content creator Gabrielle Zuniga. Sharpe's departure from the network, where he was a key figure on First Take, came shortly after Zuniga accused him of sexual assault and sought £37.6 million in civil damages. The explosive case has reignited public debate around issues of consent, coercion, and the increasing prevalence of so-called 'rough sex' in modern relationships.

According to Fox News, Sharpe last appeared on ESPN in April, just as the lawsuit began to dominate headlines. A spokesperson for the network confirmed his exit, though no further details were given.

Who Is Gabrielle Zuniga?

Zuniga has amassed a substantial social media following, including nearly 500,000 followers on Instagram and a successful OnlyFans account. Her identity as Sharpe's accuser was initially concealed under the alias 'Jane Doe' in legal filings. The two allegedly began a relationship in 2023, when Zuniga was 19 years old.

The lawsuit, filed in Nevada, describes their relationship as abusive and coercive, citing non-consensual filming and manipulation. Zuniga claims Sharpe assaulted her multiple times, including during a September 2024 incident she says was inadvertently broadcast on Instagram Live.

Legal Battle and Conflicting Narratives

Sharpe, now 56, has denied the allegations. His legal team argues the relationship was entirely consensual and accuse Zuniga of attempted extortion. His attorney, Lanny J. Davis, said Zuniga made specific and graphic requests during their interactions and that the lawsuit was 'a cynical attempt to shake down Mr Sharpe for millions of dollars.'

In interviews, Zuniga's attorney Tony Buzbee, known for representing clients in cases against public figures like Deshaun Watson, stated the matter was serious and headed for court. Buzbee also released an audio clip where Sharpe allegedly threatened to choke Zuniga.

Public Reaction and Cultural Context

This case has sparked wider conversations about consent, particularly in relationships involving stark age or power imbalances. Experts quoted in a recent report note the increasing normalisation of aggressive sexual behaviour and the blurred lines between consent and coercion.

Zuniga's public profile has made her a lightning rod in the cultural debate, with supporters applauding her bravery and critics questioning her motivations. According to IBTimes, Zuniga is continuing to post online while preparing for the ongoing legal proceedings.

The Fallout for Sharpe

Sharpe, who initially joined ESPN in 2023 after leaving FOX, had signed a multi-year contract and quickly became a prominent voice on First Take. In June, ESPN stood by his decision to take a temporary leave after the allegations surfaced. 'This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon's decision to step away,' the network said in a statement.

Despite his denial of wrongdoing and efforts to frame the accusations as a 'shakedown', Sharpe ultimately reached a confidential settlement with Zuniga earlier this month. No criminal charges have been filed, but the civil case has already left a lasting impact on his career and public image.

Whether Sharpe will return to broadcasting—or how long this story will remain in the headlines—remains uncertain. What is clear is that both Sharpe and Zuniga are now locked in a legal and public battle that extends far beyond sports media.