NFL Hall of Famer and sports media personality Shannon Sharpe is making headlines for two explosive reasons—his viral comments about adult content creator Sky Bri, and a newly filed $50 million sexual assault lawsuit.

Shannon Sharpe’s Sky Bri Comment Goes Viral

On a recent episode of his podcast Nightcap with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Sharpe caused a social media firestorm with an off-the-cuff remark about OnlyFans star Sky Bri.

“She played on her back!” Sharpe exclaimed, referencing her career in adult entertainment. The comment, accompanied by animated gestures, quickly went viral across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X (formerly Twitter), generating millions of views.

While some fans laughed it off as typical locker-room humor, others slammed the remark as slut-shaming and offensive toward sex workers. The debate divided social media, pushing #ShannonSharpe to trend for hours.

Social Media Backlash: A Turning Point in Sharpe’s Media Career?

Culture commentators like DJ Akademiks and Kevin “No Chill” Morris criticized Sharpe’s evolving brand. Once known for sharp sports analysis and charismatic on-air debates on Undisputed, critics now say Sharpe is veering dangerously into shock-jock territory.

“This isn’t the Shannon Sharpe we knew,” Morris said. “He’s caught between staying relevant in viral media and maintaining professional credibility.”

$50 Million Lawsuit Alleges Assault, Emotional Distress, and False Imprisonment

Simultaneously, Sharpe is battling a high-profile civil lawsuit filed in California Superior Court by a woman identified as Jane Doe. The plaintiff accuses Sharpe of:

• Sexual assault and battery

• False imprisonment

• Intentional infliction of emotional distress

Her attorney, Tony Buzbee—known for the Deshaun Watson case—confirmed that she is seeking over $50 million in damages.

Shannon Sharpe Responds: “This Was Consensual Role-Play”

Sharpe’s legal team, led by attorney Lanny Davis, categorically denied the allegations. In a statement, Davis said the encounter was part of a consensual role-play relationship and claimed the lawsuit is an “opportunistic shakedown.”

He also revealed that the accuser had previously declined a $10 million pre-lawsuit settlement. Sharpe plans to countersue for defamation and reputational damage.

Audio Clip and Instagram Live Incident Resurface

Adding fuel to the fire, the accuser’s legal team released an audio recording allegedly capturing Sharpe using threatening language. His attorney argues the clip was taken out of context and recorded during a private fantasy scenario.

This scandal follows an Instagram Live mishap in late 2024, when Sharpe accidentally streamed a private sexual encounter. Initially blaming a hack, Sharpe later admitted it was a mistake: “I didn’t know I hit the button.”

Will ESPN Drop Shannon Sharpe?

With Sharpe now a prominent face on ESPN’s First Take, insiders say executives are watching closely. While no formal disciplinary action has been taken, the mounting controversies could put Sharpe’s network future at risk.

Shannon Sharpe: Viral Star or Cautionary Tale?

From risqué podcast moments to multimillion-dollar legal troubles, 2025 is shaping up to be Shannon Sharpe’s most turbulent year yet. Whether he rebounds or spirals remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Shannon Sharpe is one of the most talked-about media figures of the year.