*Stephen A. Smith is speaking out in strong support of his “First Take” co-host Shannon Sharpe, as Sharpe faces serious sexual assault allegations that have generated intense public scrutiny and media attention. In a candid interview with radio personality Big Boy, Smith addressed the controversy head-on, voicing frustration with how the situation is being handled by some in the media and expressing concern over the potential fallout.
The lawsuit, filed in Nevada by 19-year-old OnlyFans model Gabriella Zuniga (initially referred to as Jane Doe), accuses Sharpe of rape and physical abuse during their alleged relationship in 2023. Zuniga claims the most severe incidents occurred in Las Vegas in October 2024 and again in January 2025. She is seeking $50 million in damages. Sharpe, 56, has firmly denied the allegations and characterized the lawsuit as a “shakedown,” with his attorney, Lanny J. Davis, calling the complaint “filled with lies, distortions, and misrepresentations.”
In his interview, Smith didn’t focus on the legal details but rather the cultural and media reaction to the lawsuit. He argued that some critics are responding with a tone of glee rather than objectivity, particularly in the wake of Sharpe’s growing media prominence following his viral Club Shay Shay interview with Katt Williams in early 2024.
“People have been after him since he did Katt Williams,” Smith said, referencing the episode that garnered millions of views and pushed Club Shay Shay into the cultural spotlight. “They’ve been at his neck because of the numbers he produced and the success that it had and how he was able to ride that wave.”
As Vibe reports, Smith acknowledged the necessity of reporting on the lawsuit, but he took issue with what he perceived as joy in the way some outlets have covered it. “I’m not talking about what people are talking about and what they have to talk about, I’m talking about the zest with which they do it,” he explained. “You see a joy that some people are having in going at him, and that’s sad.”
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For Smith, the concern extends beyond media narratives, it also touches on his relationship with Sharpe and their work together on First Take. “To see the great things that he has been doing and to know the potential is out there for all of this to be derailed, I’m incredibly sad for him,” Smith said. “I’m sad for us as a show ’cause we’re better with him than without him.”
The situation has sparked broader speculation and online debate. Social commentator Dr. Umar suggested that Sharpe may be a target due to his rising status in media.
“Somebody was jealous of Shannon Sharpe’s upcoming $100M contract… ain’t no 19-year-old OF model turning down $10M,” he said, hinting at a deeper agenda behind the accusations.
Sharpe, a former NFL tight end and three-time Super Bowl champion, has transitioned into a high-profile media personality in recent years. His increased visibility, particularly after his move to ESPN and his successful Club Shay Shay interviews, has made him a prominent voice in sports and culture commentary. Whether this legal battle will derail that momentum remains to be seen, but for now, Sharpe has at least one steadfast ally in his corner.
“Right now, it’s about him getting his house in order and doing what he can to get past all of this,” Smith concluded.
Dr. Umar claims that Shannon Sharpe’s allegations are deeper than we think ?
“somebody was jealous of Shannon Sharpe’s upcoming 100M contract… ain’t no 19 year old OF model turning down 10M” pic.twitter.com/WqxZIPLSla
— ryan ? (@scubaryan_) April 30, 2025
MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Shannon Sharpe Sex Tape Will Remain Private, Says Accuser’s Attorney Tony Buzbee
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