Shannon Sharpe faces more legal issues.
Jimalita Tillman, a Chicago-based global cultural leader, has filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against NFL legend-turned-podcaster Shannon Sharpe, his co-host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and their production company Shay Shay Media. The suit centers on comments made during an episode of their podcast Nightcap that Tillman says caused serious harm to her reputation.
On April 2, 2025, Tillman had a lighthearted fan moment with Usher during his London concert, which went viral after she was selected to join him on stage. In the days following the event, Sharpe and Ochocinco allegedly claimed on their podcast that Tillman was married and going through divorce proceedings triggered by the incident. Tillman asserts she was single and not dealing with any marital issues at the time.
Frustrated by the fallout from the viral clip and ensuing commentary, Tillman has described the episode and related posts as “mortifying.” She accuses the hosts of spreading inaccurate statements that went unchecked. Despite her repeated requests to have the content corrected or removed, she says no action was taken.
This lawsuit arrives just weeks after Sharpe settled a civil suit brought by a woman identified as Jane Doe, who had accused him of rape and sexual assault in a case seeking $50 million in damages. That case was resolved in mid-July 2025 via confidential settlement and dismissed with prejudice. Sharpe denied any wrongdoing. He also stepped away from ESPN duties and was formally let go shortly thereafter.
Tillman has stated she is in communication with Shay Shay Media’s legal team and hopes to resolve this swiftly. Sharpe and Ochocinco have yet to issue a public statement.