Shannon Sharpe’s sexual assault lawsuit delayed after accuser’s legal team fails to show up

The first court hearing in a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe took an unexpected turn this week and not because of anything Sharpe said or did. Instead, it was the plaintiff’s legal team that never showed up, leaving the judge “disappointed” and observers raising eyebrows.

Judge “disappointed” as accuser’s legal team fails to appear for hearing

The hearing, held in Las Vegas, was supposed to be the official start of proceedings in the high-profile civil lawsuit accusing Shannon Sharpe of sexual assault. But things didn’t go according to plan.

While Sharpe’s lawyers were present and ready to proceed, the plaintiff’s legal team led by well-known attorney Tony Buzbee didn’t appear in court. According to reports, Judge Anna Albertson openly expressed her disappointment, noting the absence wasn’t communicated ahead of time.The hearing was mainly meant to handle procedural matters, like confirming legal representation and setting future dates. But with one side missing entirely, the judge had no choice but to delay progress.

Shannon Sharpe is facing a $50M civil suit alleging rape and emotional distress

The lawsuit was filed in May and accuses Sharpe of raping a woman in 2021 at the Wynn Las Vegas resort, as well as causing emotional distress and battery. The plaintiff is seeking $50 million in damages.

The claims were filed by Tony Buzbee, the high-profile lawyer who previously represented multiple women in the Deshaun Watson case.

He has since gone relatively quiet about this one.Sharpe, through his representatives, has denied all allegations and called the lawsuit a “shakedown.” He also suggested he may pursue legal action in return.

Shannon Sharpe hasn’t formally responded but may file to dismiss or countersue

Despite denying the accusations publicly, Sharpe has not yet filed a formal answer in court. He has until the next scheduled hearing now set for September 3 to either respond to the lawsuit, file a motion to dismiss, or take legal action of his own.Some reports indicate Sharpe may pursue a counterclaim, likely involving defamation or abuse of legal process. His camp has maintained that the allegations are completely false.It was also reported that Sharpe had at one point offered a $10 million settlement, though the details and authenticity of that offer haven’t been confirmed.

All eyes on September as the case moves forward for real this time

This lawsuit is already carrying massive public weight. Sharpe, a Hall of Fame tight end turned media personality, has been under increased scrutiny since the filing. But so far, it’s the accuser’s legal team that’s created the first major stir.The next court date is set for September 3, and both sides will now be expected to show up and show up ready.Also read - “He’s in the sunken place”: Travis Kelce’s post-Taylor Swift transformation has fans spiraling