Below is a comprehensive overview of the $50 million civil lawsuit filed against Shannon Sharpe in Nevada state court by Gabriella “Gabbi” Zuniga (a.k.a. @sheiskarli), along with key allegations, legal developments, and responses from both sides.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the $50 million civil lawsuit filed against Shannon Sharpe in Nevada state court by Gabriella “Gabbi” Zuniga (a.k.a. @sheiskarli), along with key allegations, legal developments, and responses from both sides.

Since the suit’s filing on April 21, 2025, the case has garnered intense media attention due to Sharpe’s high-profile NFL career, his roles as a Fox Sports and ESPN analyst, and the serious nature of the accusations.

Summary of Allegations and Lawsuit Filing

Gabriella Zuniga, known online as “Karli” or @sheiskarli, filed a $50 million civil lawsuit in Clark County, Nevada, accusing Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe of repeated sexual assault, rape, emotional abuse, and threats over the course of their nearly two-year relationship (2023–2025) . She alleges Sharpe:

• Raped her on multiple occasions, including October 2024 and January 2025, despite her objections .

• Made violent threats (“I’m gonna kill you”), recorded and shared intimate videos without consent, and controlled her movements and communications .

• Breached her trust and privacy by posting a private intimate act on Instagram Live with another woman .

Zuniga’s suit, handled by attorney Tony Buzbee (known for high-profile sexual misconduct cases), frames these acts as a “pattern of coercion, physical and emotional violence, and non-consensual recording and dissemination.

Sharpe’s Denials and Defense Strategy

Sharpe and his attorney Lanny Davis have vigorously denied the allegations, calling the suit a “shakedown” and “viciously false.” They contend:

• The relationship was consensual, involving role-play and fantasy scenarios, as evidenced by explicit text messages and a longer 10-minute unedited video .

• Zuniga $ought a $10 million settlement during mediation, which she rejected prior to filing suit .

• The audio of threats was taken out of context; Sharpe’s words were part of heated, consensual role-play, not literal intent .

• They plan to countersue Zuniga and Buzbee for defamation, claiming reputational harm .

Sharpe has publicly demanded the release of the unedited video to prove his innocence, asserting that a 30-second clip has been manipulated .

Evidence and Media Reports

Video and Audio Evidence

• Buzbee’s team claims to have an “incredibly damning” video showing non-consensual acts .

• Excerpts of an audio recording allegedly capture Sharpe’s threats; the defense says these were part of consensual role-play .

Text Messages

• Davis’s office released texts suggesting Zuniga initiated explicit role-play, including requests for bondage and financial arrangements .

• Posts on Zuniga’s social media (@sheiskarli) show her significant online following and OnlyFans activity, which the defense cites to question her motives .

Settlement Offer

• Reuters reports Sharpe offered $10 million pre-suit, which Zuniga declined .

Legal Context and Next Steps

• The case is pending in Clark County District Court, Judge to be assigned soon.

• Discovery will likely include depositions, forensic analysis of video/audio, and social-media records.

• Both sides have signaled intent to litigate aggressively: Zuniga seeking maximum damages, Sharpe aiming to expose alleged manipulation and pursue defamation claims

Public and Community Reaction

• Social media has erupted with divided opinions—some rally behind Sharpe’s presumption of innocence, others call for Zuniga’s claims to be believed and investigated .

• Sharpe’s broadcaster roles at FS1’s Undisputed and ESPN have not yet been impacted, though network executives are closely monitoring developments.

Citations

1. Allegations of rape, threats, video evidence, damages amount

2. Sharpe’s refutation, $10M settlement offer, shakedown claim

3. Defense’s role-play context, demand for unedited video

4. Audio threats context and defense position

5. Discovery of explicit texts and role-play messages

6. Zuniga’s online persona and OnlyFans activity

7. Settlement negotiations reported by Reuters

8. Legal counsel and countersuit intentions

9. Filing details and representation by Tony Buzbee

10. Public reaction and network roles