NFL Hall of Famer and former ESPN personality Shannon Sharpe is facing yet another legal firestorm this time to the tune of $20 million after a woman claims he and his podcast team falsely labeled her as a married woman whose husband filed for divorce following a flirty concert moment with R&B superstar Usher.
The Viral Moment That Sparked It All
The lawsuit, filed by Jimalita Tillman, stems from a moment that went viral on social media after she participated in an interactive fan experience at an Usher concert on April 2, 2025. The video, which captured a playful exchange between Tillman and Usher, set the internet abuzz with speculation.
But things quickly spiraled when Sharpe, 57, along with his Nightcap podcast co-host Chad Ochocinco Johnson, made comments alleging that Tillman was married and that the attention from the concert led to her husband seeking a divorce.
According to the court documents obtained exclusively by The U.S. Sun, Tillman has never been married and took immediate steps to correct the public narrative. She now accuses the podcast team, including Shay Shay Media, of defamation, emotional distress, and damage to her professional and personal reputation.
False Allegations, Real Consequences
In her legal complaint, Tillman who is the Global Director of the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago expressed frustration that despite her efforts to clarify the situation publicly, the defendants continued to spread false claims.
I am not married, nor am I currently going through a divorce, she stated. Their continued dissemination of these false statements after I publicly clarified my marital status demonstrates a reckless disregard for the truth.
Tillman, a single mother with a stellar professional reputation (her daughter earned a doctorate as a teenager), says the impact has been severe. She claims the false narrative harmed her standing in the community and caused personal turmoil.
Shay Shay Media Under Pressure
Tillman revealed that her legal team has been in contact with representatives from Shay Shay Media, and that a resolution could be underway soon.
Theyre to resolve this matter quickly, she told The U.S. Sun, and we will probably have more to share upon our next conversation.
Sharpes Mounting Legal Issues
This lawsuit comes on the heels of another high-profile legal matter involving Sharpe. Earlier this month, he settled a $50 million lawsuit with a woman identified as Jane Doe, who accused him of rape, physical abuse, and manipulation during a two-year relationship that began when she was 20 years old.
Though Sharpe has consistently denied all allegations and claimed the relationship was consensual, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice after a confidential settlement was reached. Attorney Tony Buzbee confirmed the resolution via social media on July 18.
Al matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed,Buzzed posted.
Following that settlement, ESPN officially cut ties with Sharpe a move first reported by The Athletic and later confirmed by The U.S. Sun. The network has declined to comment, and Sharpes legal team has remained silent.
What's Next for Sharpe?
Sharpe, who had hoped to return to ESPN at the start of NFL training camp, now finds himself embroiled in back-to-back legal battles and facing intense public scrutiny. With two major lawsuits in just a few months and a growing reputation crisis, his next career move” if any remains uncertain.
For now, all eyes are on the courtroom and whether Jimalita Tillman will receive the $20 million in damages she seeking for what she describes as a deliberate attack on her character and reputation.
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