Shannon Sharpe has released a video defending his character against sexual assault accusations by a woman who he claims may release a sex tape involving the NFL Hall of Famer turned popular podcaster in an attempt to sully his reputation.

“This is a shakedown,” Sharpe said in a video statement posted on X.

“I am going to be open, transparent and defend myself ’cause this isn’t right. This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee (an American lawyer), who has targeted Jay Z, Tony Buzbee targets black men and I believe he is going to release a 30 second clip of a sex tape to make me look guilty and play into every stereotype you can possibly imagine.”

READ: Shannon Sharpe sued for US$50 million over alleged sexual assault, battery

Sharpe released his statement in the wake of news that a Nevada woman sued him for sexual assault and battery in a Nevada civil court.

The woman filed the suit on Sunday under the pseudonym Jane Doe. The lawsuit alleges that the woman and Sharpe had a “rocky consensual relationship” but that it turned “controlling” and “abusive” over time.

The woman, who claims she met Sharpe at a Los Angeles-area health club in 2023, further alleged that the two-year relationship became “fearful and non-consensual” in the summer of 2024. It says the two last met January 2.

In his hard-hitting response delivered with his usual bravado, Sharpe suggested that extortionists should release the full 10 minute sex tape instead of the 30 second clip.

“Hey Tony, instead of releasing your edit, put the whole video out. I don’t have it, or else I would myself. You know what happened, and you’re trying to manipulate the media,” Sharpe railed.

Sharpe said that the encounter in question took place “during the day at her invitation” and alleged that the episode was a “deliberate set up” by an Only Fans personality.

“Gabby and Tony Buzbee want 50 million dollars, what they’re getting is sued for defamation and trying to take me down. My career is all about real talk and honesty and my family and fans know what exactly this is about,” Sharpe said.

Sharpe’s attorney, Lanny J Davis, released to the media a series of suggestive text messages he said are from the woman and called the suit a “blatant and cynical attempt to shake down Mr Sharpe for millions of dollars.