Following the viral spread of an audio clip allegedly featuring Shannon Sharpe threatening to “choke” a woman, the NFL Hall of Famer has broken his silence.
In a video posted across his social media channels, Sharpe dismissed the $50 million lawsuit filed against him, calling it nothing more than a “shakedown.” He also accused attorney Tony Buzbee—known for his involvement in high-profile and often controversial cases—of potentially planning to leak a sex tape in an attempt to damage his reputation.
Shannon Sharpe Accuses Tony Buzbee of Plotting a Smear Campaign
On April 22, 2025, not long after Buzbee provided TMZ with the alleged audio of Sharpe threatening his client, the former tight end and “Club Shay Shay” host took to social media to address the growing controversy.
“To my family, friends, supporters, and colleagues—I want to speak directly from the heart,” Sharpe said in his statement. “This is a shakedown. I’m going to be fully transparent and defend myself, because this isn’t right.”
Sharpe went on to claim that Buzbee is behind a calculated effort to take him down, warning that a sex tape might be released in an attempt to paint him in a negative light and sway public opinion.