Shannon Sharpe‘s love life has long been a topic of conversation among his social media followers, especially after a private moment unintentionally aired on Instagram Live in September 2024. The ESPN star addressed the explicit video during an episode of his Nightcap podcast, released shortly after his Instagram Live went viral. “Obviously, I am embarrassed,” the three-time Super Bowl champ said. “Someone that is extremely, extremely private and to have one of your most intimate details – the audio – heard for the entire world to hear, I’m embarrassed for a number of reasons.”
But when a sexual assault lawsuit was filed against him in April 2025, public attention on the television personality intensified, and many began speculating about his relationship status.
The lawsuit, filed on April 20, 2025, by a woman referred to as Jane Doe, accuses Shannon of sexual assault and sexual battery. According to the complaint, Sharpe allegedly “violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff [and] blatantly ignored” the plaintiff’s requests for him to stop during encounters in October 2024 and again in January 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, per CNN. Sharpe denied the allegations and described the case as a shakedown. On July 18, 2025, the lawsuit was quietly settled out of court. As the legal process concluded, ESPN officially cut ties with Sharpe on July 30, according to sources who spoke with The Athletic. Despite this, Sharpe continues to produce episodes of his podcasts Club Shay Shay and Nightcap.
On July 18, 2025, the lawsuit was quietly settled out of court. Following the settlement, ESPN officially parted ways with Sharpe on July 30, according to The Athletic.
Amid these developments, find out more about Shannon’s personal life and relationship status below.
Is Shannon Sharpe Married?
No, Shannon is not married and has presumably never been married in the past, per Today.
Who Is Shannon Sharpe’s Girlfriend?
Social media users have speculated that Shannon has been dating a woman named “Michelle.” However, he has not confirmed or denied the rumors.
Does Shannon Sharpe Have Kids?
Shannon is a father of three children—a son and two daughters.
During his 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech, Shannon shouted out his children and thanked them for their support.
“To my three kids — Kayla, Kiari and Kaley — thanks for understanding when I promised to take you to the movies or the amusement park or to the mall, but because I had run myself into the ground or lifted myself into oblivion earlier that day, I didn’t do what I had promised to do the night before,” he said at the time. “Thank you for making all those sacrifices that other kids never had to make, so your dad could live out his dream.”
Was Shannon Sharpe Fired by ESPN?
After explicit audio from one of Shannon’s Instagram Live sessions went viral, many ESPN viewers questioned whether the network had cut ties with him. However, Sharpe was not fired over the incident.
Addressing the situation, Shannon acknowledged the controversy and emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism. “I always try to be professional at all times, even when I’m behind closed doors,” he pointed out, before noting, “I’m very disappointed in myself — not for the act. I think there are millions and billions of people of consenting age that engage in activities, but for the audio to be heard, I’m disappointed in myself. I let a lot of people down.”
In April 2025, Sharpe was named in a sexual assault and battery lawsuit filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe, which further intensified public scrutiny. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, he announced he was stepping away from his ESPN role temporarily to focus on his family and legal matters. At the time, he stated he intended to return by the start of the NFL preseason.
However, as of July 30, 2025, ESPN officially parted ways with Sharpe following news that the lawsuit had been settled and dismissed with prejudice. Although the legal matter was resolved, multiple outlets reported that the network decided to cut ties with him. Sharpe has continued producing his Club Shay Shay and Nightcap podcasts independently.
If you or anyone you know has been sexually abused, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). A trained staff member will provide confidential, judgment-free support as well as local resources to assist in healing, recovering and more.
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