NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe is once again facing legal trouble, this time over comments made during an episode of his Nightcap podcast with co-host Chad Johnson.
Shannon Sharpe Settled a $50M Assault Lawsuit Last Month
In April, Sharpe was hit with a $50 million lawsuit from a woman who accused him of sexual assault and harassment dating back to when she was 19. Sharpe denied the claims, calling it a blackmail attempt, and the situation quickly turned into a media firestorm. After weeks of exchanging evidence, both parties reached a confidential settlement in mid-July. Not long after, Sharpe and ESPN parted ways.
But while the dust was settling on that case, a second lawsuit was already brewing.
Read More: 16 Retired NFL Legends Still Talking Trash
What’s This New Case About?
Filed in April but gaining traction now, a defamation lawsuit from Jimalita Tillman claims Sharpe and Johnson spread false information during a podcast segment covering a viral concert clip involving Tillman and R&B singer Usher.
At an Usher concert in London, Tillman was filmed sharing a cherry with the performer in a playful, flirty moment. The clip exploded online, and made its way to Sharpe and Johnson’s show, Nightcap, where the hosts allegedly claimed Tillman was married and going through a divorce at the time.
According to Tillman, those statements are completely false. She was not married, nor in a relationship.
The Clip Is Gone, But the Damage Remains
Since the episode was made private and removed from the Nightcap YouTube and podcast feeds, there’s no public access to verify exactly what was said. However, Tillman insists she reached out to Sharpe, Johnson, and their Shay Shay Media team asking for a retraction and apology, none of which ever came.
Her lawsuit, originally filed in Cook County Circuit Court, has now moved to federal court in Chicago. She is seeking $20 million in damages, citing harm to her reputation and career.
“Every time I enter a meeting for funding, for programming, and activations and things, it comes up,” Tillman said. “I’m tired of being the punchline.”
Tillman Is Demanding Accountability
Tillman is drawing attention to the lack of regulation in podcasting and influencer media.
“Just throwing the word ‘allegedly’ in does not get it done. Do the due diligence… There needs to be changes at a federal level regulating these streamers and podcasters.”
So far Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson, and Shay Shay Media have not commented publicly on the lawsuit. Their legal teams are required to file a response by August 22.
Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.
