Comedian and actor Mo'Nique has nothing negative to say about her friend, Shannon Sharpe.
Weeks after the NFL Hall of Famer reached a multi-million dollar settlement with his rape accuser, Gabi Zuniga, Mo'Nique told her fans that her heart was with Sharpe.
Mo'Nique, 57, previously made headlines when she blasted Shannon Sharpe for dating young, white women.
Mo'Nique Defends Shannon Sharpe Against The Hate Following His Multi-Million Dollar Settlement To His Rape Accuser
During a recent Instagram Live session, Mo'Nique, who's starred in several productions, including "Precious" and "The Deliverance," finally weighed in on the Sharpe situation.
According to her, Sharpe, 57, is her "brother" and she has much "love" for him, despite the negativity surrounding him at the moment.
"We've all not walked the perfect line, we've all had mistakes, we've all taken a fall, we've all had to get up and get to going again," she said in the online video, per Complex. "So, that is my brother, and I love my brother."
Mo'Nique went on to say that she understands what Sharpe is currently experiencing at this point in his career, considering she has had public feuds with entertainment giants, such as Tyler Perry and Oprah. "I know what it feels like for people to quit on you and give up on you," she added. "That won't be me. Shannon Sharpe? That's Shay Shay, baby. We love him."
Mo'Nique Was Heckled At Her Show About Shannon Sharpe
As the Instagram Live continued, Mo'Nique told her nearly two million followers about being heckled at one of her comedy shows about Sharpe's legal situation. Mo'Nique explained that while she was on stage, she heard an audience member speaking negatively about Sharpe, causing her to issue a bold statement live, in front of everyone.
"I said, 'B-tch, no, you won't do that. No, you will not do that. No ma'am,'" Mo'Nique recalled. "Whatever you feeling about my brother, if you ain't got something nice to say, be quiet." The "Parkers" actor also began encouraging others to do some personal reflection to resist being quick to judge others.
Mo'Nique Slammed Shannon Sharpe In The Past Over His Relationships With Young, White Women
For those unfamiliar with the situation, Sharpe was sued for $50 million by 20-year-old Zuniga in April 2025 and accused of raping and abusing her throughout their two-year relationship.
Almost immediately after the news of the lawsuit broke, users began commenting on the noticeable age gap between the two. An old clip of Mo'Nique warning him to stay away from young women on his podcast, "Club Shay Shay," also began going viral at the time.
"You don't need no 26-year-old girl; you don't need no 36-year-old girl," Mo'Nique told the Super Bowl champion. "You're trying to hang out with these young b-tches. You can't do it, Shannon!"
During another clip, Mo'Nique slammed the "Nightcap" host for dating caucasian women.
"Yes, I told that n-gga Shannon Sharpe [to] leave them white b-tches alone," she said.
Sharpe's Accuser Has Updated The Public Since Reaching A Settlement
Sharpe's accuser, meanwhile, has done her best to keep the public updated following her multi-million-dollar settlement.
In one social media post, she shared her plans to shut down her OnlyFans modeling account, thanking her followers for providing her with a life she never thought she would achieve.
Weeks later, she posted another picture on social media of a Bible verse from the Book of Psalms that got some netizens riled up.
"You have freed me from the feuds among my people; you have preserved me as the head of nations," the verse read. "God, he grants me vengeance and casts down people under me. He frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my adversaries; you rescue me from violent men."
One user replied, questioning Sharpe's critical thinking skills before saying they "don't feel sorry for him" at all.
Sharpe Was Removed From His Post At ESPN
Sharpe's employer, ESPN, also severed ties with him after he settled with Zuniga, resulting in the end of his role on the popular sports talk show "First Take."
Despite losing that platform, however, Sharpe continues to discuss sports with his "Nightcap" co-host, Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson, and hosts celebrities and athletes on his YouTube podcast, "Club Shay Shay."