The Hollywood Reporter – Shannon Sharpe is “electing to step aside temporarily” from ESPN, he said on Thursday.
Sharpe, formerly an NFL star and now a prominent media figure, wrote and posted to social media:
- “The relationship in question was 100 percent consensual.
- “At this juncture I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties.
- “I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me.”
- “I sincerely appreciate the overwhelming and ongoing support I have received from my family, fans, friends and colleagues.”
“This is a serious situation, and we agree with Shannon’s decision to step away,” an ESPN spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.
In a lawsuit filed on Sunday in Nevada state court, the Jane Doe is seeking $50 million. The lawsuit brings a claim for sexual battery, as well as one for intentional infliction of emotional distress for Sharpe’s alleged verbal abuse.
Sharpe “violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff two different times … ”
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