Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, widely recognized as the co-hosts of the popular “Nightcap” podcast, are now facing a significant legal challenge. The duo has been hit with a $20 million defamation lawsuit, a development that could have major consequences for their media careers.

‘Nightcap’ Hosts Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson Face $20M Defamation Lawsuit

According to The U.S. Sun, Jimalita Tillmas participated in a fan engagement moment at a Usher concert on April 2, 2025, where she interacted with the artist as a selected audience member.

Tillmas is claiming that Sharpe and Johnson made false and defamatory statements on ‘Nightcap’, suggesting she was married and that her husband was filing for divorce due to her serenading participation.

In the lawsuit, she stated,

“I was not married at the time of the fan participation moment during the Usher concert. The defendants’ false narratives were shared widely across their platforms, reaching millions of followers, viral spread, and refutation efforts, despite my clear and public reputation of the false narrative.”

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As a global director for the Harold Washington Cultural Center, Tillman also claims that she had made numerous efforts to contact the defendants to request the removal of this false narrative, but these requests were disregarded.

“The ongoing misinformation has resulted in emotional distress for the plaintiff, damaged her reputation, and adversely affected her personal and professional relationships,” explained the lawsuit.

Tillman is seeking $20 million in damages from Johnson and Sharpe.