Jimalita Tillman, a single mother and global director for the Harold Washington Cultural Center in Chicago, has filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against former NFL star Shannon Sharpe, his “Nightcap” podcast co-host Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and their production company, Shay Shay Media. The legal action stems from false statements made about Tillman’s marital status following a viral interaction with R&B singer Usher at his concert on April 2, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, not London’s O2 Arena as previously misreported.

The incident began when Usher, known for his fan engagement during performances, invited Tillman onstage for one of his signature serenades. The moment, filled with playful chemistry, was captured on video and quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking widespread attention. However, the narrative took a damaging turn when Sharpe and Johnson discussed the interaction on their “Nightcap” podcast. According to court documents, the hosts falsely claimed Tillman was married and that her husband was filing for divorce due to the viral clip, despite Tillman being single.
Tillman alleges that Sharpe, Johnson, and Shay Shay Media knowingly propagated this false narrative, causing significant harm to her reputation and emotional distress. She claims the misinformation led to online harassment, strained professional relationships, and challenges in protecting her image as a single mother. Despite Tillman’s efforts to correct the record, including appearances on national media outlets, the defendants allegedly refused to retract their statements or remove the defamatory content from their social media platforms, amplifying the damage.

The lawsuit, filed on July 31, 2025, seeks $20 million in damages for defamation and emotional distress. Tillman’s legal team argues that the hosts’ reckless disregard for the truth and failure to verify her marital status before making the claims meet the legal threshold for defamation. In a statement to the media, Tillman expressed her intent to hold the defendants accountable, emphasizing the toll the false narrative has taken on her personal and professional life.

This legal battle marks another challenge for Sharpe, who was recently let go from ESPN on July 30, 2025, following the settlement of a separate $50 million lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and battery. That case, filed by a woman identified as Gabriella Zuniga, was resolved earlier in July 2025, though the terms remain undisclosed. Sharpe has continued to host “Nightcap” and his other podcast, “Club Shay Shay,” both distributed by The Volume, despite his legal troubles. However, his reported pursuit of a $100 million podcast deal has been derailed by these controversies.

As of August 1, 2025, Sharpe has not publicly responded to Tillman’s lawsuit, and representatives for Shay Shay Media have indicated they are in communication with Tillman’s legal team to resolve the matter. The case has drawn attention to the responsibilities of podcasters and media personalities in verifying information before sharing it with large audiences, potentially setting a precedent for defamation lawsuits in the digital media era.