NFL Hall of Famer and media personality Shannon Sharpe reportedly offered $10 million to settle a sexual assault claim before a lawsuit was officially filed, according to new revelations from both parties’ legal teams.
Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J. Davis, confirmed on Tuesday that the offer was made to the woman identified as Jane Doe during mediation sessions held “within the last month or so.” The intent, according to Davis, was to resolve the matter privately. However, he said the move was met with an unexpected turn.
“It was a big surprise to us when suddenly this case was filed without any advanced warning,” Davis said. “Our client made the offer in good faith, but the plaintiff walked away from the deal without explanation.”
Jane Doe’s attorney, high-profile lawyer Tony Buzbee, also confirmed the $10 million offer and questioned Sharpe’s public denial of the allegations.
“On the one hand, Mr. Sharpe and his lawyers claim that the case filed by Jane Doe is meritless,” Buzbee said. “Yet, on the other hand, they now disclose that Mr. Sharpe offered Jane Doe $10 million in writing not to file her lawsuit.”
Earlier the same day, Sharpe released a video publicly denying the allegations and labeling the lawsuit a “shakedown.”
The civil lawsuit, which has drawn widespread attention, continues to develop as both sides present conflicting narratives surrounding the case and the settlement talks.
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