SHANNON SHAPRE ACCUSER SPEAKS OUT AFTER SECURING A RETIREMENT WORTHY SETTLEMENT

In a surprising turn of events, Gabriella Zuniga, the 22-year-old OnlyFans creator who accused former NFL star and media personality Shannon Sharpe of sexual assault, has announced her retirement from the subscription-based platform just days after reaching a settlement in her high-profile $50 million lawsuit against him. The announcement, made via Instagram on July 19, 2025, has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with reactions ranging from speculation about the settlement's size to debates about the implications of her decision.

Background of the Lawsuit

Zuniga, initially identified as "Jane Doe" in court documents, filed a $50 million civil lawsuit against Sharpe in April 2025 in Clark County, Nevada. The suit alleged sexual assault, battery, and emotional abuse during a relationship that began consensually in 2023 when Zuniga was 19. According to the complaint, the relationship turned abusive, with specific allegations of sexual assaults in October 2024 and January 2025. Zuniga also claimed Sharpe recorded intimate encounters without her consent and referenced a humiliating September 2024 incident where Sharpe was reportedly heard engaging in sexual activity on Instagram Live, though she stated she was not involved in that event.

Sharpe, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former ESPN commentator, vehemently denied the allegations, calling the lawsuit a "shakedown" orchestrated by Zuniga and her attorney, Tony Buzbee. Sharpe’s legal team, led by Lanny Davis, presented text messages and other evidence to argue the relationship was consensual, involving explicit role-playing and financial arrangements. They also claimed Zuniga manipulated a video to misrepresent a consensual encounter as non-consensual.

The case garnered significant attention, fueled by leaked audio clips, alleged text messages, and social media speculation. One particularly controversial audio clip, released by Zuniga’s legal team, allegedly featured Sharpe saying, “Big Black Guy Chokes Small White Woman,” which further escalated public debate. Sharpe’s team dismissed the clip as taken out of context, maintaining that all interactions were consensual.

The Settlement and Zuniga’s Retirement

On July 18, 2025, the lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled, after both parties reached a confidential out-of-court settlement. While the exact terms remain undisclosed, sources suggest the settlement amount may have exceeded the $10 million offer Sharpe allegedly made earlier, which Zuniga had rejected.

Hours after the settlement was announced, Zuniga took to Instagram to share her decision to retire from OnlyFans, where she had built a significant following as an adult content creator under the handle "Karli." In her statement, she expressed gratitude to her supporters, writing, “Thank you for the incredible support you’ve shown me over the past few years. This community has given me a life I could have never imagined. I’ll still be active on social media and have several new projects in the works that I can’t wait to share! I’m truly excited for this next chapter.”

The timing of Zuniga’s retirement has led many to speculate that the settlement provided her with substantial financial security. Social media reactions on X reflect a polarized sentiment. Some users praised Zuniga, with one writing, “I’m actually happy for her. She saw an easy opportunity and took it.” Others expressed disappointment in Sharpe, with comments like, “Shannon Sharpe settled with that kid over them sexual assault allegations & she released a statement saying she’s retired from Only Fans … I’m just so disappointed in Shannon, he let that white kid get away with the oldest trick in the game & now she’s rich.” Another user humorously noted, “That settlement just hit her bank account. The numbers must be good, that’s why she’s retiring.”

Public and Media Reactions

The settlement and Zuniga’s subsequent retirement have reignited debates about her credibility and the nature of the allegations. Some online commentators have criticized Zuniga, suggesting her OnlyFans career undermines her claims, with one X user calling the settlement a reward for “extortion.” Others argue that such framing reflects societal biases against women in adult entertainment, dismissing their voices based on their profession rather than the substance of their allegations.

Sharpe’s supporters, meanwhile, point to his legal team’s evidence, including explicit text messages where Zuniga allegedly discussed wanting a child with Sharpe and engaging in role-play scenarios. One leaked exchange showed Zuniga saying, “I would only want a child if it was with you… I am convinced I would be an excellent mother,” to which Sharpe responded skeptically. His attorney used these messages to argue that Zuniga’s allegations were part of a blackmail scheme.

The controversy also impacted Sharpe’s career. He temporarily stepped away from ESPN’s First Take during the legal battle, citing a need to focus on his family and address the allegations. Reports suggest ESPN had concerns about Sharpe’s earlier $10 million settlement offer, and his podcasting empire, including Nightcap and Club Shay Shay, saw changes, with new personalities and rumored investor shakeups. Sharpe is expected to return to broadcasting ahead of the 2025 NFL season.

What’s Next for Zuniga and Sharpe?

Zuniga’s retirement from OnlyFans marks a significant shift in her public persona. While she has not detailed her future plans beyond mentioning “new projects,” her continued presence on social media platforms like Instagram, where she has approximately 500,000 followers, suggests she intends to maintain her online influence.

For Sharpe, the settlement allows him to move forward without the looming threat of a prolonged court battle, though the lack of transparency in the agreement leaves room for ongoing speculation. The dismissal with prejudice ensures the case cannot be reopened, but the public narrative remains divided, with no admission of guilt from either party.

Conclusion

Gabriella Zuniga’s decision to retire from OnlyFans following her settlement with Shannon Sharpe has added a new layer to an already complex and polarizing story. As both parties move on, the case highlights the challenges of navigating high-profile allegations in the digital age, where social media amplifies speculation and shapes public perception. While Zuniga looks toward a new chapter, and Sharpe prepares to resume his media career, the broader conversation about consent, credibility, and media scrutiny continues to evolve.