Last week, Shannon Sharpe warned fans that an “edited” 30-second sex tape was about to be released by his accuser.
Shannon, 56, recorded a video statement after a 22-year-old woman sued him for $50 million and accused the ESPN host of multiple rapes.
“This is a shakedown,” Shannon said. “I’m gonna be open, transparent, and defend myself because this isn’t right. This is all being orchestrated by Tony Buzbee who has targeted Jay-Z. Tony Buzbee targets Black men.”
Days went by and the tape never materialized, leading some to question whether a tape even existed.
In a statement to TMZ, Buzbee acknowledged the existence of a sex tape – which he claims was shared with Shannon and his attorneys during mediation. Buzbee denied that he ever intended to release the tape to the public.
“The only reason you know about the existence of a video recording is that Mr. Sharpe specifically referenced it in his bulls*** statement,” Buzbee said. “The contents of the video was shared during the mediation process with Sharpe’s attorneys. Again, Sharpe and his team disclosed that, not us. Sharpe himself was offered on more than one occasion to view it himself. He declined. We’ve never made any claims or threats about it and won’t do so.”
He added, “We won’t be ‘releasing’ the video as it is key evidence in the case and will be treated as such.”
However, Shannon’s supporters say Buzbee won’t release the tape because it proves his client’s BDSM session with Shannon was consensual.
Shannon has since stepped away from his hosting duties on ESPN’s “First Take.” His co-host, Stephen A. Smith, hinted that Shannon may not return to the show.
