Shannon Sharpe sexual assault lawsuit: Is Gabriella Zuniga being judged for her job instead of her words?

In the wake of the Shannon Sharpe rape allegations, much of the media spotlight has shifted toward those in Sharpe's orbit. One name repeatedly appearing in headlines is Gabriella Zuniga, an influencer and OnlyFans creator who has drawn criticism, speculation, and judgment—not for her words, but for her career.

While Gabriella Zuniga has not publicly accused Shannon Sharpe nor claimed a direct connection to the lawsuit, her association with him, either through past mentions or rumored interactions, has ignited public scrutiny. However, a key question remains: is she being taken seriously, or is her profession as an adult content creator coloring how people perceive her?

Gabriella Zuniga’s presence on platforms like OnlyFans has made her a target for criticism, even in contexts unrelated to her content. This is not a new phenomenon. Women in adult entertainment are frequently dismissed or discredited, particularly in serious conversations involving sexual misconduct.
In the case of Shannon Sharpe’s sexual assault lawsuit, the public and media seem quick to invalidate any commentary or association Zuniga may have, as if her profession automatically renders her opinion unworthy. But this response reveals more about societal bias than it does about Zuniga herself.

The coverage surrounding Gabriella Zuniga often focuses more on her body of work than her body of words. Whether she is defending herself, commenting on the case, or simply existing in the periphery, she’s often framed as a "distraction" rather than a human being with agency and a voice.

This kind of framing reinforces dangerous stereotypes that discredit women who don't conform to conventional roles. In Zuniga's case, it feeds into the harmful belief that OnlyFans creators cannot be credible, empathetic, or capable of engaging in serious discourse.
As the Shannon Sharpe lawsuit continues to unfold, it's crucial to separate fact from bias. Gabriella Zuniga, like any other individual, deserves to be judged by her actions and words—not her platform or profession.
Also Read: Shannon Sharpe’s NFL Draft appearance sparks outrage amid sexual assault lawsuit
In a media landscape where perception often trumps reality, we must ask ourselves: are we truly listening to Gabriella Zuniga, or just watching her? Until we can answer that honestly, we’re part of the problem.