Former NFL star and TV personality Shannon Sharpe dropped the bombshell that a sex tape may be used against him while warning the public to brace for a heavily edited video. However, the latest development in his high-profile sexual assault case has revealed that the tape will be kept private, at least for now.
Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the woman behind the lawsuit, called the sex tape a key piece of evidence while expressing that he does not intend to release it to the public. The video reportedly shows Sharpe and the accuser having sex. However, Sharpe had said that the sex tape was edited to portray him as guilty.
In a statement to TMZ Sports, Buzbee explained that the video was never meant for public consumption, adding that Sharpe is the only reason why the public became aware of the video. He indicated that the video has been a part of private mediation discussions.
According to Buzbee, Sharpe was given several opportunities to view the full recording but declined. Sharpe publicly described the video as a 30-second clip, but Buzbee said the video is nearly 10 minutes long. Sharpe had challenged Buzbee to release the full video to show that the sexual encounter he had with “Jane Doe” was consensual.
Sharpe has been facing public scrutiny in recent days after the alleged identity of the woman who filed the lawsuit under “Jane Doe” was revealed to the public. The $50 million lawsuit was filed last month, claiming that Sharpe’s 2-year relationship with the plaintiff changed from consensual to abusive. He is accused of raping the plaintiff multiple times before they split.
Sharpe has denied the accusations, calling the lawsuit a “shakedown” and asserting that the claims are both false and malicious. Since the lawsuit went public, Sharpe has temporarily stepped away from his ESPN duties and vowed to clear his name.