Chicago‑based arts executive Jimalita Tillman, who leads the Harold Washington Cultural Center, has for the first time publicly addressed her defamation lawsuit against Shannon Sharpe. The suit charges Sharpe, his podcast co‑host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and their production company Shay Shay Media with harmful falsehoods. Tillman says she was misrepresented as married and going through a divorce, due to comments Sharpe and Johnson made on their Nightcap podcast. She told reporters, “I am not married… I am single,” highlighting that the on‑air narrative was completely false.
Tillman added, “I’m not a public figure… you better fact‑check… because it’s wrong,” expressing how the statements, shared across millions of their platforms, damaged her professional reputation and emotional well‑being.
A Personal Toll
Tillman said she has endured serious repercussions. “Every time I enter a meeting… it comes up. I’m tired of being the punchline,” she revealed, describing how the false narrative followed her into funding discussions and public appearances.
Context and Implications
This lawsuit adds to growing legal challenges confronting Sharpe. It arrives just weeks after he quietly settled a $50 million sexual assault lawsuit, which was dismissed with prejudice after out‑of‑court negotiations.
Sharpe also recently stepped away from ESPN, losing his contract after the sexual assault matter was resolved.
Now, Tillman seeks $20 million in damages, citing harm to her reputation and career. Her defamation suit frames her not as a celebrity, but a private citizen whose image was carelessly broadcast.