A second audio recording has emerged in the $50 million lawsuit against former NFL star Shannon Sharpe, intensifying the legal battle over allegations of sexual assault and abuse.
On April 23, 2025, attorney Tony Buzbee released a recording to TMZ that allegedly captures Sharpe making threatening remarks toward the accuser, identified as Jane Doe, during a phone conversation. This recording further escalates the high-profile case.
The woman accusing #ShannonSharpe of r*pe has now released audio of a conversation she says she had with him … and in it, Sharpe can be heard telling her he's "going to f***ing choke the s*** out" of her. Read the full #exclusive story: https://t.co/SFHeYGx3rF pic.twitter.com/Hj9lh3Xe8R
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) April 22, 2025In the audio, a voice identified by Doe’s legal team as Sharpe’s discusses travel plans before saying, “I might choke you in public. ‘Big, black guy chokes small, white woman,’” after Doe expresses concern about being choked. When she responds, “That’s not a good look, Shannon,” the voice retorts, “It’s not a good look that you did the s–t you did to me.” The recording’s date is unclear.
A prior audio obtained by Page Six reportedly captured Sharpe threatening to “choke” Doe for accusing him of manipulation.
Lawsuit Allegations
Doe, who met Sharpe at a Los Angeles gym at age 20, alleges sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress during their nearly two-year relationship. Her lawsuit claims Sharpe abused his power as a celebrity. Sharpe’s team denies wrongdoing, asserting the relationship was consensual and involved roleplaying, supported by text messages where Doe reportedly referenced a “dog collar” fantasy.
Sharpe’s representatives released extensive text exchanges to argue mutual consent, framing the audio remarks as part of consensual dynamics. The lawsuit, filed in 2024, follows Sharpe’s successful NFL career and media prominence on ESPN’s First Take.
Shannon Sharpe Sued For $50 Million Over Alleged Rapes | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/0Y9YQA5MoF
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 21, 2025The case, reported by TMZ and Page Six, has drawn significant attention. X posts reflect polarised views, with some questioning Doe’s claims and others condemning Sharpe.
The second audio strengthens Doe’s case by presenting alleged threats, but its context remains disputed, as Sharpe’s team frames it within consensual roleplay. The racial framing in the remark risks inflaming public perception, though its legal weight depends on intent and context, which the undated recording obscures. Sharpe’s text evidence suggests mutual dynamics, but Doe’s age (20) at the start of the relationship raises concerns about power imbalance. X sentiment is inconclusive, with fans split (#SharpeLawsuit), but public discourse risks overshadowing legal merits with celebrity bias. Buzbee’s silence on the audio limits clarity, and the content avoids unverified speculation, balancing both sides with cited evidence.
The lawsuit, ongoing in Los Angeles, awaits further court proceedings, with both sides likely to present additional evidence.
