Shannon Sharpe has issued a video statement in response to being named in a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and battery. As previously reported, the attorney representing the accuser in that case is Tony Buzbee, previously accused of defamation by Jay-Z. In his statement, Sharpe mentions Jay specifically, as well as calls the suit itself an example of a “shakedown,” thus echoing comments made by his own legal team earlier this week.
“I’m gonna be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right,” Sharpe said Tuesday, as seen below. “This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee, who has targeted Jay-Z. Tony Buzbee targets Black men and I believe he is going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and plays into every stereotype you could possibly imagine.”
According to Sharpe, the tape in question “should actually be 10 minutes or so.” He encouraged Buzbee release it in its entirety, adding that he would do it himself if he were in possession of it.
“You know what happened but you’re trying to manipulate the media,” Sharpe said. “The encounter in question took place during the day at her invitation, and now that appears to be a deliberate setup coordinated by Gabby, also known as Carly on OnlyFans. Gabby and Tony Buzbee want $50 million. What they’re getting is sued for defamation and trying to take me down.”
Below, see a full transcript of Sharpe's video statement.
“To my family, friends, supporters, and colleagues, I want to speak to you directly and from the heart. This is a shakedown. I'm gonna be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right. This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee, who has targeted Jay-Z. Tony Buzbee targets Black men and I believe he is going to release a 30-second clip of a sex tape that tries to make me look guilty and plays into every stereotype you could possibly imagine.
That video should actually be 10 minutes or so. Hey, Tony. Instead of releasing your edit, put the whole video out. I don’t have it or I would myself. You know what happened but you’re trying to manipulate the media. The encounter in question took place during the day at her invitation and now that appears to be a deliberate setup coordinated by Gabby, also known as Carly on OnlyFans. Gabby and Tony Buzbee want $50 million. What they’re getting is sued for defamation and trying to take me down.
My career is all about real talk and honesty. I know my family and fans know exactly what this is about and I’m going to be out there telling you whatever I need to say just like I always do.”
Sharpe's video statement comes the same day TMZ shared alleged audio of Sharpe and the accuser. During the alleged conversation, a voice said to be Sharpe’s is heard saying he is going to “choke” the woman, though the actual context of the exchange has not been confirmed. Noted in the publication’s report is that the clip, said to have been shared with them by Buzbee, is not “the entire audio.”