AceShowbiz - Shannon Sharpe has broken his silence on the $50 million rape and battery lawsuit filed by a woman against him. His accuser has hired attorney Tony Buzbee who also respresents clients who have accused Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Jay-Z of sexual assault - which both rappers have vehemently refuted.

In a video shared Tuesday via Instagram, Sharpe, 56, stated, "To my family, friends, supporters and colleagues: I want to speak to you directly and from the heart. This is a shakedown. I'm gonna be open, transparent and defend myself because this isn't right."

Sharpe claimed that Buzbee has a pattern of targeting black men, citing his previous cases involving Jay-Z.

He further asserted that Buzbee is attempting to manipulate public perception by releasing a short clip of an explicit video "that tries to make [him] look guilty." According to Sharpe, the alleged video "should actually be 10 minutes or so," and he urged Buzbee to "put the whole video out."

Sharpe alleges that the encounter in question was a set-up coordinated by the woman, who is purportedly active on OnlyFans. "[The woman] and Tony Buzbee want $50 million. What they're getting is sued for defamation and trying to take me down," Sharpe vowed.

"My career is all about real talk and honesty. I know my family and fans know exactly what this is about, and I'm going to be out there telling you whatever I need to say, just like I always do. I love all you guys. Thanks."

Buzbee did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but he previously said of the video in question, "The contents of this clip are certainly not sexual. They are instead disturbing, aggressive and dangerous."

The woman, who sued Sharpe as "Jane Doe," claimed they met at a Los Angeles gym in 2023 when she was 20. She alleged they had a consensual relationship that later turned abusive.

During an explosive argument, Sharpe allegedly "grabbed her by the neck and told her, 'If you ever do that again, I will f**king kill you.' " Sharpe has "categorically" denied all allegations of coercion and misconduct, "especially the gross lie of 'rape.' "

For those affected by these issues, support can be found by calling the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.