Shannon Sharpe found himself at the center of online ridicule when he made public a series of explicit messages to defend himself against a $50 million lawsuit alleging rape. While the allegations are serious, users on social media platforms turned the messages into memes, utilizing Sharpe's catchphrase "Lakers in 5." The lawsuit by Gabriella Zuniga, formerly known as "Jane Doe," accuses Sharpe of coercion, assault, emotional abuse, and unauthorized recording of their sexual activities. The lawsuit details a tumultuous relationship that commenced in 2023 after their encounter at a gym in Los Angeles. Zuniga claims that Sharpe assaulted her twice in 2024 and 2025 after she tried to end the relationship. Allegations also include Sharpe offering to pay for Zuniga's breast augmentation and asserting control over her. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Sharpe's legal team denied the claims, characterizing them as extortion and insisting the relationship was consensual with role-playing and explicit exchanges initiated by Zuniga. Sharpe's attorney released sexually explicit messages alleged to be from Zuniga as part of their defense, sparking widespread reactions and memes on social media.