Shannon Sharpe’s departure from ESPN has stirred considerable discussion, but now the Hall of Fame tight end finds himself facing an unexpected and serious challenge—he’s been slapped with a $20 million lawsuit. The case involves a woman named Jimalita Tillman, who gained online notoriety after a viral moment with Usher at a concert earlier this year. Tillman, who is also suing Sharpe’s production company, Shay Shay Media, is seeking damages for what she claims are defamatory statements made by Sharpe and his podcast co-host, Chad Johnson.
The incident that set the stage for this legal battle unfolded during a segment on their “Nightcap” podcast. Tillman was seen enjoying cherries fed to her by Usher, a moment that quickly captured the internet’s attention. The next thing she knew, she was being dubbed “Auntie Cherry,” and rumors began to fly that she had been married—and was now getting a divorce—due to this brief interaction.
Tillman’s lawsuit claims that Sharpe and Johnson exacerbated these falsehoods by discussing them during their segment, even though she has never been married. In her own words, she stated, “Following this event, the defendants made and disseminated false and defamatory statements suggesting that I was married and that my husband was filing for divorce due to my participation in this audience experience. I am not married, nor am I currently going through a divorce.” The ramifications of these statements, she argues, have taken a toll on her reputation, prompting her to pursue legal action.
This lawsuit follows closely behind another legal issue Sharpe faced: a $50 million lawsuit from Gabriella Zuniga, a woman he once had a relationship with, who accused him of sexual misconduct. Although Sharpe denied the allegations, the controversy led to significant scrutiny and ultimately resulted in his decision to step away from ESPN. It’s a tumultuous time for the former athlete turned commentator, and he acknowledged this recent chapter in a podcast discussion, highlighting the challenges he’s faced amid these controversies.
As fans and followers remain captivated by this unfolding drama, it’s a stark reminder of how quickly rumors can spiral out of control and the potential impact they can have on someone’s life. In the world of sports and entertainment, the line between personal and public can often blur, and for Shannon Sharpe, it seems the fallout of his high-profile career continues to resonate in unexpected ways.
Image Source: Shannon Sharpe @ Instagram
