Who is Jimalita Tillman? The arts leader suing Shannon Sharpe over Usher concert defamation

Jimalita Tillman isn’t just a name caught in the whirlwind of celebrity gossip—she’s a trailblazing arts executive, educator, and cultural advocate with deep roots in Chicago’s creative community.

As the longtime Executive Director of the Harold Washington Cultural Center (HWCC), Tillman has devoted her life to empowering underrepresented voices, developing youth arts programming, and promoting Black excellence through performance and education. But now, she’s making headlines for an entirely different reason—filing a defamation lawsuit against NFL Hall of Famer turned media commentator, Shannon Sharpe.

The Usher moment that spiraled into internet chaos

It all began with what was supposed to be a joyful, empowering moment. On April 2, 2025, during an Usher concert, Tillman was chosen from the crowd for an impromptu serenade by the R&B superstar. As she recalled, “He wasn’t even supposed to stop where we were! It was like magnetic. And he smells like vacation. So he brought me closer and I locked in. I brought out all the Broadway magic that I had, but it was easy!”

But soon after the video went viral, rumors swirled online—baseless claims that Tillman was a married woman and that her husband had filed for divorce over her interaction with Usher.

Shannon Sharpe, via his popular podcast and social media accounts, amplified the rumor, joking and speculating about the incident without verifying the facts. According to Tillman, this triggered a flood of online harassment and reputational damage.

A decorated arts leader fighting back

Jimalita Tillman comes from a family of civil rights leaders and educators. At HWCC, she’s mentored countless young performers, partnered with Broadway professionals, and championed arts access in underserved communities.

She’s a graduate of Clark Atlanta University and has performed professionally in musical theater—often blending activism with artistry.

Now, Tillman is taking a stand against misinformation. In her lawsuit, she accuses Sharpe of defamation and “reckless disregard for the truth.” Despite going public to correct the false narrative—“I am not married, nor am I currently going through a divorce”—the rumors continued to circulate.Still, she remains focused: “I am a retired homeschool mom looking to expand the arts here and across the pond. I am single. You got a cherry, give me a jingle.”Also Read: Shannon Sharpe slapped with $20M lawsuit for trashing woman at an Usher concert just days after dodging $50M assault caseThrough it all, Jimalita Tillman continues to embody the very grace and power she brings to the stage—fighting to reclaim her narrative and defend her legacy in the face of viral misinformation.