The attorney for the woman accusing Shannon Sharpe of sexual assault announced on Friday, July 18, that both sides reached a settlement in the civil case. Back in April, the 20-year-old plaintiff sued Sharpe for $50 million, accusing him of sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
RELATED: Shannon Sharpe Reportedly Accused Of Sexual Assault Lawsuit With $50M Lawsuit
Shannon Sharpe Settles Civil Lawsuit After Being Accused Of Sexual Assault
Tony Buzbee, the attorney who represented Shannon Sharpe’s accuser hit Instagram to share the news that the lawsuit was dismissed. Buzbee acknowledged they had a long-term, consensual, but rocky relationship, and they still managed to work things out with a mutual resolution.
However, TMZ reports that no specific details have surfaced about the deal that Sharpe and Gabriella Zuniga might’ve worked out. Still, Buzbee made it clear that they handled all matters. “All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice,” Buzbee added. Even though both sides reached a mutual agreement, NBC reports that Sharpe’s lawyer reportedly expects him to pay close to $10 million.
Social Media Weighs In
Folks in The Shade Room’s comment section felt relieved to see Shannon Sharpe put the lawsuit behind him. Still, a lot of people told him to keep it clean and stay on the right track. See some of their reactions below.
Instagram user @just_callmeair wrote, “Happy for him bc that would’ve been a TOUGH case.”
Instagram user @iamstevejones wrote, “So they just wanted to ruin his reputation? 🤔”
While Instagram user @kamillion8 wrote, “I hope he learns from this and find a woman. Leave these little girls alone SIR!!!”
Then Instagram user @stephanie.d.jenkins wrote, “Now go sit back in your interviewer chair and leave the YG’s alone. ✌🏽A win is a win so learn from this one 💯”
Another Instagram user @mythriftedfashion wrote, “It was a money grab, never was meant to go to court.”
Instagram user @a_class_benz wrote, “She still got paid. And still tarnished his reputation in the process.”
While another Instagram user @theariperkins wrote, “Now go sit down somewhere unc.”
Then another Instagram user @smurffff wrote, “Now go get you that Gal Monique was talking about.”
Finally, Instagram user @hunnae1 wrote, “Good! I hope he learned his lesson.”
Shannon Sharpe Accuser Breaks Silence After Case Reaches Settlement
Shortly after news broke about the lawsuit getting dismissed, Gabriella Zuniga, the woman who accused Shannon of assault, hopped on Instagram with a message. She left folks know she plans to retire from OnlyFans but made it clear she’ll be active on social media. Gabriella also teased that she’s cooking up some new projects and told her followers to stay tuned.
“Today, I have decided to retire from OF. Thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown me over the past few years. This community has given me a life I could have never imagined. I’ll still be active on social media and have several new projects in the works that I can’t wait to share! I’m truly excited for this chapter. I love you all forever and ever,” Gabriella Zuniga wrote.
Here’s What Shannon Previously Said About The Sexual Assault Claims
Right after the allegations against Shannon dropped in April, he fired back with a statement and a set of NSFW messages. He also posted a message from his lawyer, Lanny J. Davis, on Instagram. In the statement, Davis called the $50 million lawsuit against the NFL legend nothing more than a sham. He also made it clear that the lawsuit was packed with lies, distortions, and flat-out false claims.
